It is not just something for which we rise, remove our caps,
and place our hands upon our hearts at sporting events. It is not a fairytale. It is not a myth.
202 years ago, in a war that most seldom remember, events
unfolded that placed our country upon a knife’s edge. A new presence in the world, we lacked the political
strength, the military, and the finances to stand with the mighty powers of
Europe—most notably Great Britain.
Only decades away from our separation from that strong world power, we
were struggling to find our identity.
Amidst the strife amongst France and Great Britain, stood
the young, upstart United States.
England, still smarting from the loss of grip upon the abundant
resources that the Americas could provide, saw the opportunity to try to regain
control of the land they once held.
The people of the United States had a different idea.
However, things were not well. The spirit of the country was very low. Lack of military and naval strength,
financial shortcomings, and poor organization, led to the British being able to
sack the capitol, Washington DC.
Demoralized, our country stood at the precipice.
And yet, there were enough who believed. Strength, and courage can come from
even the most unlikely of places.
Great Britain, after the destruction of the center of our
government, continued to press their advantage, and prey upon our wavering
spirit. Their move—the city of
Baltimore. In a fateful moment, the people of this country held fast.
On September 13, 1814, while the outskirts of Baltimore were
preparing for a land assault by British forces, fort McHenry came under heavy
canon and rocket bombardment by the British fleet. 27 rain soaked hours later, one flag rose above
that fort. The American
flag. The world’s greatest power
had been repulsed, and one who viewed that amazing sight, was inspired to write a poem into music, that
strikes as true and deep today as the day it was written.
The efforts of those who fought, bore wounds, and died in
that moment, helped turn the tide.
In the end, there was no winner in that war. But the United States persevered and grew stronger, by not wilting to an aggressive power. Who knows what the shape of
this country would be today without those people who were willing to sacrifice
everything to preserve this country. Many do not remember this, nor do
they care.
Those who claim to be citizens of this country, and who
choose to ignore, or turn their back on this eulogy, are not citizens. It is one of the greatest disgraces and
disrespects to do so.
There are, and will continue to be, offenses to the commonwealth
of all people in this world. Some
still occur in this country. While
many parts of the world yet do not enjoy the comforts and freedoms that many
Americans enjoy, there are still transgressions here that should not exist. And
that is the travesty—everywhere.
Our best effort as citizens is to take actions to help
people overcome those injustices.
Instead of opposing, or demeaning in public, that which was a truly momentous
sacrifice that gave us the opportunity to enjoy the freedoms and privileges we
have today, take a moment to recognize those who are struggling to find those
freedoms and privileges. Use your strengths, skills, and resources, and do
something positive that really makes a difference in people’s lives.
Many of us are in a fortunate position to do
so. If you have the resources and
the opportunity to help those that need it, then take that step. Then, maybe, you
might be able to stand next to the ghosts of those who no longer stand because
fragments of a mortar shell ripped through them. It is their ethereal strength
that remains—don’t diminish it. Cherish it.
That is what it means to be a citizen of these United
States.
