One day I was walking in the neighborhood with my 6-year-old grandson. All of a sudden he wasn’t beside me. I turned around to see him behind me saying the pledge of allegiance to a neighbor’s flag. When he finished and caught up with me he said, “Grandma we do this every day in school.” I told him that I was proud he had such respect for the flag but that wasn’t necessary to stop at each flag.

As an American citizen I’m maybe a little extreme in my patriotism. I carry a copy of the Constitution in my purse. I display an American flag when the weather is acceptable. I display a flag on my bike and my car is covered with bumper stickers. I’m thankful that I can do these things and also the freedom to write this letter and express my opinion.

Many Americans take freedom for granted. They think it will always be here in America. However, loss of freedom is like weight gain and bad credit. I am many pounds overweight. However, it didn’t happen in one day, one week or one year. My husband has done a great job keeping us out of financial debt. However, those who are dealing with it say it just creeps up on you and often when you realize you’re in trouble it’s too late.

I’m not telling you that next year we will be doing the German goose step or saluting Adolf Hitler. However, we have recently seen a number of red flags that we need to acknowledge. Benghazi, the AP scandal, the IRS scandal and the NSA scandal.

I think most veterans will agree that they fought for our freedom. So out of respect for all the veterans and their families let’s not take our freedom for granted.

Thank you and God bless America.

 

Katie Jacobsen
Albert Lea