pearl harbor land of the free home of the brave

“In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality…but…there can be no divided allegiance here…We have room for but one flag, the American flag…room for but one sole loyalty and that is loyalty to the American people.”

In 1907 Teddy Roosevelt (who had a heroic Army background from the Spanish American War- see, the Battle of San Juan Hill ) launched into Americanism and proper immigration: Surprisingly, two polar opposite US presidents spoke very strongly in support of patriotism and our great American flag. In smaller conflicts in the Americas, USA has been allied with Paraguay, Nicaraqua, Costa Rica and El Salvador during the Dominican Civil War of 1965-6 and also in Grenada in 1983 with Barbados and Jamaica. Interestingly, we also went to war against Russia right after WWI. In fact it seemed that just days after World War II, we had become - instead of allies - major foes of each large empire. We have both been foes with China and Russia, as well as allies. We have fought France (who was an ally during the Revolutionary War), Spain, Italy and Germany (NATO allies). Great Britain fought against America at least three times during our earliest years, including burning the White House during the War of 1812. Also, the Somali Civil War remains ongoing, 2007-2021.Ī little known conflict was the quite recent “Operation Observant Compass” in Uganda, 2011-2017. Today “continuing” wars number about nine just this century alone, such as the Libyan “War on Terror” in 2015-2020, the Syrian Conflict (2014-present), and the Iraq War (same dates). However, counting major conflicts only, the tally is about a dozen. The longest on record was the Apache Wars, 1849-1924. And the National Anthem epitomizes the American struggle which continues to this very day.Ĭounting dozens of Indian Wars, America has been at war nearly 100 times. From its founding during the Revolutionary War, America, led by George Washington, designed and brought forth our great flag. Those words were penned in the heat of battle when all looked lost late one night, yet Francis Scott Key awoke to see our flag still standing despite enemy shelling! It is because of the brave, that Americans have always been free.Ĭertainly our great American flag has been closely associated with America’s wars. O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” “O say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave

Let's take a moment to reflect on some of the beauty and history of this unique place, and may we give thanks to God for his kindness, and may we make His kindness toward us in Christ know to all who we come across in this nation, for the joy of the nations, and for the glory of God. As believers we happen to have so much to be thankful for in regards to living in 'America', as believers. So, where does being 'American' fit in with all of this, especially on such a beloved holiday in America as 'Independence Day'.

We do not belong to ourselves, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to faithful Saviour Jesus Christ (Heidelberg Catechism, Question 1). There is a great comfort in knowing that we belong to and are identified first with Christ – not self Christ – not success Christ – not the acceptance or approval of man Christ – not achievement Christ – not health Christ – not nationality, or political affiliation. And this certainty brings about joy in this life. There is a great comfort in knowing who you are in Christ.

Pearl harbor land of the free home of the brave