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"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America ... one nation under God ... with liberty and justice for all."
Our flag consists of stars, stripes and four colors. The stars represent unity; the stripes represent hardiness and valor (red), purity and innocence (white) and vigilance, perseverance and justice (blue).
Many have been wounded and have given their lives protecting and fighting for what this flag stands for.
Yet it has been desecrated, walked on, ripped, torn and burned in our own society. We have had celebrities and high-ranking officials strongly protest their call of duty in our military service. Some even have fled to other countries. Some have failed to salute the flag or wear a flag emblem on their lapels. A really bad, vulgar gesture once was made for everyone to see after the national anthem was sung at a sporting event.
But at the end of all this, those who did so enjoyed the benefits of the liberty, protection and prosperity of this nation just like everyone else.
I am so glad I answered the call to military duty overseas and I am proud to tell this story. I am proud I am part of this old flag most of us call "Old Glory."
Dennis Mull
Gainesville