What does the flag of our country mean to you?

Growing up, the flag was … well, our flag and symbolized our country, right? As I marched through our schooling, that flag perspective changed for me, and here are a few of the influences that altered my understanding of our flag.

As a public school student, I learned the flag’s history, and what principles it was based upon. These principles can be found in our Declaration of Independence. That document noted their would be no king or any other authoritarian figure ruling our country, and that the government received its authority from the people. There would be equality for all (not just white men) with assurances of life and liberty for all. If you haven’t read it for awhile, why not read it now as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary?

I also became acquainted with our nation’s Constitution. Again, a document filled with equality elements — a first of its kind in history. While studying those documents, to me, the flag vividly exemplified them. I was proud of our flag.

Many of us have sworn an oath of allegiance to the flag during meetings or at our military swearing in ceremony. That oath should not be taken lightly — it carries the weight of our country’s history, and the sufferings of many of our citizens.

But, something has happened over the years when it comes to the flag. It has become more of a political statement for some of the people. Political parties have tied it to their brand of patriotism, and anyone who doesn’t believe as they do, is branded losers, communists and un-American. That’s very disappointing because it goes against the meaning of the flag.

Maybe the question needs to be asked: “To whom or what do you owe loyalty?”

I would always say to have loyalty to your family. They were the seed you came from and are the nourishing soil that helps you grow.

In today’s society, let’s be loyal to the many small business owners who are sharing their passion with you. Monopolistic capitalism does not have our best interest in mind. Let’s be loyal to our neighbors and friends.

Let us be loyal to welcoming the stranger. At one time or another, all of our ancestors were strangers here.

Be loyal to your faith. Faith is a very personal aspect of life. Be respectful of others and always walk the walk as you talk the talk.

Uff da! It’s time for a sip of wine so let me grab a bit of Shane Pinot Noir. It’s a wine I’ll always be loyal to because of its delicious aromas and flavors of light cherry and chocolate.

You know, be loyal to yourself. Not in an egotistical way (We have plenty of narcissism around us today), but in a way to honor your beliefs and truths while respecting those of others surrounding you.

As you go through all these mentioned loyalties, always see our nation’s flag. It flies as a symbol and remembrance of who we are as a nation. It symbolizes the sacrifices of many Americans, and a nation based on law and order, democratic values and personal openness to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all.

Let us never forget that our nation is not about only certain people. The U.S.A. is us!!

May your celebrations of our countries history be fulfilling.

As always, eat and drink in moderation, but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!