Dear Editor,
What’s next? Are our schools on the way to mirroring, “the inmates are running the asylum?” That the American Atheists Organization raised its ugly head didn’t surprise me. It and the ACLU are two of a kind, in my opinion, abominations. Who are the bad guys responsible for Florida State Statute 1003.44? Shame on them!
They ought to be voted out. Ad nauseum it reads, “Each student shall be informed by posting a notice in a conspicuous place that the student has the right not to participate in reciting the pledge. Upon written request of his or her parent the student must be excused from reciting the pledge.” There’s enough anti-Americanism occurring without adding attempts to dampen patriotism. Over the years, I have abhorred the many instances when our flag was desecrated, burned, treated disrespectfully. My heart swells, a general elation of justifiable pride, at times with tears of gratitude when I think of Old Glory or pledge of allegiance. Would to God all native born Americans felt the same.
It’s meaningful colors are red for hardiness and courage, white for purity and innocence, blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice, all admirable attributes.
Francis Scott Key first called the flag the Star Spangled Banner in 1814 when he wrote the poem that became our National Anthem.
William Driver, a sea captain from my birthplace, Salem, Massachusetts, gave the flag the name Old Glory in 1824. My parents, born in Europe, became naturalized citizens. My dad, a World War I Navy veteran, instilled patriotism in his children. If our schools aren’t already teaching about our flag, they should. It might awaken and promote patriotism. Too bad atheists don’t acknowledge their very next breath comes only by the grace of God, who’s existence they deny. There’s still hope for them if you believe in miracles.
God bless us all as only He can. Maranatha.
Chrys Holley
Milton
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: LTE: Too much anti-Americanism in our schools