From NCSSAR President Joe Harris on Independence Day, 2005:

We all know about the personal sacrifices our ancestors made to win independence and thus allow a nation of free men to evolve into the global super power it has become.  As you celebrate this holiday weekend with family and friends I remind you that we are a nation at war.  Tens of thousands of men and women will not enjoy the sanctity of home and the company of family as they are posted around the world fighting the War on Terrorism.

Often in our busy lives we fail to recognize that freedom is not free but that it comes with a price – a very high price.  I leave you with this poem and encourage you to share it with everyone on our nation’s birthday.

A Toast To The Flag

Here’s to the red of it, there’s not a thread of it, no nor a shred of it, in all the spread of it from foot to head.  But heroes bled for it, faced steel and lead for it, precious blood shed for it, bathing it red.

Here’s to the white of it, thrilled by the sight of it, who knows the right of it but feels the might of it through day and night.  Womanhood’s care for it, made manhood dare for it, purities prayer for it keeps it so white.

Here’s to the blue of it, beauteous view of it, heavenly hue of it, star spangle dew of it, constant and true.  Diadem gleams for it, states stand supreme for it, liberties beam for it brightens the blue.

Here’s to the whole of it, stars, stripes and pole of it.  Body and soul of it, oh, and the role of it, sun shining through.  Hearts in accord for it, swear by the sword for it, thanking the Lord for it.  RED – WHITE – and BLUE.

John J. Daily, 1917