06/13/2026
What Is America?
During our morning walk (run for Cindy) the other morning, Cindy was reflecting on how much she loved singing the patriotic songs when she was a child and then how much she enjoyed incorporating them in her teaching when she became an elementary school teacher. Songs like: “America the Beautiful,” “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” “There Are Many Flags,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “This Land Is Your Land,” “God Bless America,” “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” etc. She remembered singing them as a little girl while swinging on her swing until she would fall asleep.
So, as we were walking along the road together, I asked her, “What is America?” Is America defined by the people who govern? Is it defined by the culture? Is it defined by those enemies who HATE the nation? Is it defined by those who LOVE the nation? Is it defined by its history, by its present, by its anticipated future? Is it defined by its laws, by its ideals? Is it defined by its licentiousness? Is it defined by its Constitution? Just what is America? Does America have a clear identity?
I asked Cindy why those songs were so special to her. She commented that they illustrated the beauty of the land that her father loved so much in his work as a farmer; it was because the lyrics honored our Creator - the One whose providence brought forth our nation. Along with those reasons, they spoke of the good things that unite all people of faith and good will. She said that they inspired her to put her own hands in the soil of the land and plant seeds that produce more beauty and fruit. They also connected her with the pilgrims, the founding fathers, and the freedom that was so precious to them; all of which reached her heart and generated a common bond of faith, hope, and love for the very same things that they held dear. She stated that, getting to see and experience the majestic mountains, the rivers, and the vast fields of grain produced by hard working farmers; these are things that not only feed her body but they also feed her soul as she takes in their awe and splendor.
Tomorrow is FLAG DAY! Does the American flag reflect the identity of this country to you? Is it a symbol that you admire and respect? Cindy loves our flag and you will find her taking advantage of every opportunity to display it and promote the meaning and history behind it. And once again by tomorrow, our yard will be lined with American flags.
So, just what IS America; and who gets the final word in that definition? Do those patriotic songs speak to anyone else like they have touched Cindy? What has shaped (is shaping) your personal definition of America? Can this nation long endure with YOUR concept of America? Abraham Lincoln understood that America is a nation of the people, by the people, and for the people; and unless we the living are here dedicated to that cause to which those who gave their last full measure of devotion, this nation cannot long endure, and will perish from the earth. Are you one who is dedicated to such cause as they?
