Monday Morning Boost: Kindling Love Of Country
Dr. Kenneth MacFarland, in a post-Vietnam America, gave a speech he called “Selling America to Americans” wherein he shared the story of a young soldier who had recently returned from serving in those distant jungles. The young man, in a subdued and serious talk with his parents, asked if they loved America to which both his mother and father deeply expressed their love for their country, even saying it was more precious to them than their own life.
“Why didn’t you tell me that when I was growing up?” the young returned soldier asked them. “I never heard you once say that you loved America. You never taught me to love it. I can’t tell you what an ungrateful pup I have been. I had to go to Vietnam to find out what the United States of America is all about. I would gladly lay down my life for it. I would have given anything to know how you felt about it when I was growing up.”
QUESTION: How do you kindle a love of country in your family?
In another account, Dr. MacFarland related an experience he had with a World War II veteran who had heard him speak. The veteran, in a letter to Dr. MacFarland, wrote, “My wife and I don’t have much. I doubt we will ever have enough money to travel outside of Arizona. I was a soldier in World War II and was taken prisoner. For two years we didn’t hear one bit of news as to how the war was going. In all those months I never lost faith… and then one morning I saw the American flag and a band of soldiers coming over the hill. I don’t know if anyone can understand the love I felt for my country that day, and have all of my life. I felt the same way the other night when I heard you talk.”
QUESTION: What does seeing the American Flag mean to you?
I have also experienced what it’s like to be a soldier in combat in a foreign country. Though my experience was drastically different than both of the accounts shared by Dr. MacFarland, my appreciation and love for America was greatly enhanced. I saw a drastically different form of government that lacked basic levels of human decency and freedoms as we know them were non-existent.
QUESTION: If you have experienced life outside of the United States, how has it impacted your perspective?
HONORED TO SERVE
It’s not a surprise to see military combat veterans feeling strong gratitude for our country. Does that mean one must be a combat veteran to feel this level of gratitude?
No. Not at all.
People from all walks of life have deep gratitude for their country for a large variety of reasons. I simply relate the incredible gratitude this military heritage has brought to me personally, our family, and to so many throughout our beautiful country.
My deep love for our beautiful country was nourished by my parents growing up along with several incredible Boy Scout leaders. I was always taught to honor and respect our country and never speak ill of her, and to believe deeply in the liberties granted.
I was also taught to always stand tall and proud for the Flag, such as you see in the lead photo below taken by Kristen Stewart at the raising of the “Follow The Flag” tribute for Veterans Day in Cold Water Canyon above North Ogden.
I grew up watching my father serve in the military, and though he never said a word to me about following in his footsteps, that desire was nurtured simply by watching his example. It’s been an honor to see our three sons also serve.
KINDLE THE FIRE
I appreciate this perspective of Vaughan J. Featherstone from a speech he gave in 1975. This was shared with me by my friend Ray Weber and who introduced me to Dr. MacFarland’s speech referenced above.
“What a wonderful heritage we could leave to our youth if we could just kindle in them the fires of freedom that our fathers kindled in us. I love this great land; I honor the great founding fathers; I’m proud to be an American. I cannot sing “America” without tears coming to my eyes and without chills running up and down my back. When I stand with my hand over my heart and sing our national anthem, I’m so proud I can hardly stand it. When I think of all the noble men who gave their lives for this land, then I feel a sacred resolve well up within me and I know that we must stand fast.”
AMERICA. SHE IS BEAUTIFUL.
Even with the turmoil our country is experiencing today… heartache, pain, and challenges, inequality, misunderstandings, and racial tension…
America. She is Beautiful.
Consider Her spacious skies and amber waves. Behold her purple mountains above the fruited plain. Her grandeur remains majestic.
America. She is Beautiful.
How grateful we are for the pilgrims and pioneers who a thoroughfare of freedom they beat across the wilderness. And we plead the Love of God will continually mend Her ev’ry flaw and fill our souls with self-control and liberty in law.
America. She is Beautiful.
For the heroes proved, those who in liberating strife showed they indeed more than self their country loved, we will forever and always be grateful for their ultimate sacrifice. To them and their Gold Star families, may God their gold refine.
America. She is Beautiful.
🎶🎶🎶
Oh, beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
🎶🎶🎶
America. She is Beautiful.
May the Love of God indeed crown our good with the brotherhood of peace and love from sea to shining sea.
Have a great Monday! Thanks for letting me share!
Les
p.s. Take 13 minutes today to reflect on how America is beautiful for you.
PERSONAL PROMISE PROCLAMATION
The Story You Most Consistently Create Will be The Story To Most Consistently Come True In Your Life. Intentionally Create A Beautiful, Powerful, Wonderful Story!
