Respect the blessings that just being American brings

Kids raising the Stars and Stripes with respect can teach us a valuable lesson

It was around 8:16 on a Tuesday morning when three young people did something amazing.

Right inside of the gates of Immanuel Lutheran School sits a flagpole. The sixth-grade students are tasked with putting the American flag up on that pole every day.

This particular day was no different than those before, with one exception; I was watching.

These amazing young people didn’t know I was watching and neither were they interested in those around them. As they respectfully raised the flag, their hands were on their hearts and they were silent. There was no one around to praise them. There was no one around to judge or belittle them.

Why was this such a profound moment? It was profound because they did the job assigned to them in a respectful manner because that was the right thing to do.

They understood that respecting the flag is not only a duty, but a privilege.

As this nation stands divided on nearly every issue, I can’t help but think how simple these matters truly are — if only through the eyes of children.

I sincerely appreciated the lesson taught by those three thoughtful students that Tuesday. If only all people could respect that which has been gifted to them through unspeakable sacrifice and loss. If only all people could do what they are supposed to do with no regard to what the consequences may be because integrity is far more important than “social correctness” or rebellion for the sake of rebellion.

The most astounding aspect of that moment was simply the fact that those children saw nothing remarkable in what they did at that flagpole that crisp morning.

They simply headed for their classroom to begin another day of learning. Their actions were simply like breathing. It was all so simple and natural, and right.

It was all just a matter of humbly saying thank you to all those in military. It was a gesture of appreciation to the families who support those military men and women. It was about a minute and a half of clear realization that living in America is a blessing — a gift.

I have many strong opinions on many things and I am sure numerous people would disagree with my take on those things. I often seriously question the sanity of this nation and I assume that anyone reading has said the same right about now in our country’s history.

That being said, I hope all who read this can truly appreciate the lesson that moment described. Everyone can learn from these young people about pride in their country and about pride in the jobs assigned to them as they go about their daily lives.

Are you liberal or conservative? Are you rich or poor? Are you old? Are you young? Are you a minority — or not? These distinctions all became a big blur as I saw those still maturing hands over those very mature hearts at the flag pole on that Tuesday.

As Americans, let us just respect the United States of America and her flag. Look around and see the blessings that flood you each day simply because you are in America.

Doesn’t that deserve some respect? Seems simple enough to me.

Thanks for leading the way kids! Thank you very much!