June 14th, Flag Day

I walk early these hot days. The nice sight greeting me was Stillwater Blvd. lined with flags. One of the local service clubs does it every year. Rows of evenly spaced small flags line the boulevard. My mother in-law, rest her soul, loved to display the stars and stripes. I remember that flag flying proudly from their home all summer.
Because the flag represents our country, we are proud to see it waving. It brings something up in our hearts to remember our history. Many served and many died to defend our freedom. Many worked for good laws and good government. I read John Adams biography a couple years ago and was struck by the sacrifices of those early founders and patriots.

When we were in Germany, we stayed in Bertchesgaden. That is where Hitler had his "Eagles Nest" hideaway in the mountains. When I watched the series "Band of Brothers" there is a scene of the conquering Americans marching into this area. The swaztika was still proudly displayed. The people in this area were Nazis and many supported the Third Reich. All this came back to me when we were there. Modern Germans we know are quick to acknowledge their history and condemn it. They are also quite restrained in their national pride and displaying their flags. Kai explained to me that is because of their Nazi history. They are surprised to see the way Americans hang buntings and display the red, white and blue.

I am thankful we have been abundantly blessed in our country. I believe rewards follow virtue. We have been generous to help others in need in the world. We have defended England and helped liberate Europe when Hitler was overrunning the continent. We have sent food and aid to people suffering from famine and helped in disasters. In turn, we have been blessed. What you sow, you reap. But, I do not believe God loves us more than anyone else. For it says, "God so loved the WORLD, that he sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes shall have everlasting life." That is still our greatest blessing and the one we still should share with the whole world.