“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”

Article & photos 

by Annemarie Eveland

This pledge is said at the beginning of meetings, in public places before a function, and in other gatherings. It is the pledge to our American flag. Although it wasn’t written until 1892, it became the foothold of our nation when saluting the flag, which became our symbol of freedom. 

How often we say those words and hope that they mean to other citizens what we hold dear in our hearts.

The symbology of the flag is:

The stripes (13) represent the original 13 colonies. Stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the Union. Symbolic colors are red (for hardiness and valor), white (for purity and innocence) and blue (for vigilance, perseverance and justice). No one knows the flag’s origin, but people believe a Congressman named Hopkins designed it and Betsy Ross sewed the first one. People named it “Old Glory,” and from 1777 to 1960 Congress passed acts that changed the shape, design, and arrangement. 

It was this flag that inspired James Upham and Francis Bellamy to write the Pledge of Allegiance. The first US Postal stamp displaying the flag in 1931 had 48 stars. On July 4, 1957, the US Post Office issued the first US postage stamp that solely featured 

the flag.

So, as flags have flown across America on July 4th, let us think about how many ways we can “feel free” in our own home life. I would like to dig a little deeper and explore what freedom means to me personally. Initially, we might not think of the items I’m listing as “freedom,” but when we look at the inconveniences of not having them, we would feel challenged. They definitely feel like they free up effort in our lives, making them run smoother.

Besides the normal citizenship appreciations, I find we can experience small things in our ordinary days that help us feel a modicum of freedom. See how many conveniences you can come up with that help you feel free today.

Some may include living in a country that gives us freedom of expressing our thoughts and feelings while respecting others. Visiting any of our variety of states. Having a valid driver’s license gives freedom of travel and the convenience of personal identification. Cell phones have given us the freedom to communicate with others around the world and to photograph and record heartfelt moments with kids and relatives. They give us the freedom to photograph our moments during travels and then store them in “the cloud” for access at will. How about our passports that allow us to travel worldwide? If you wish, you can create your own business, choose where you want to live, own your home or rent a space. If you study and prepare, you can gain a chosen profession.

One can stay single, get married, or have a dozen children if desired. There are many choices of religious commitment, political affiliation, schooling, extended education, and much more. Having an internet connection is a source of freedom. Getting out in nature always does us good. There is something about the beauty of nature that quiets my mind, soothes my body, and enriches my soul. Daily experiences remind us it is essential to have gratitude for our daily freedoms that make memories worth saving.

I think “a picture is worth a thousand words.” So, as I am very grateful for these past “freedom experiences” from my daily living, I would like to share a few with you through some photos. Here are some examples to show what keeps me feeling free and expressing gratitude.

I feel sure you have many moments in your own daily life where you can “snapshot” the experiences that helped you feel a personal “freedom” because they brought you a joy-filled feeling. Good for you! Keep up the adventures, and I hope you experience many little freedoms each day that restore and enhance your heart with the joy of living in our beautiful America. Congratulations, and with my sincere hope that you had a truly happy Fourth of July celebration!