The teaching of respect for America

I found this article the other day and I thought it was very interesting. I wanted to share it with you because I feel strongly that each generation has something to pass along and I think something each generation is slowly leaving out is respect. Say what you want but we all know this. Look at how things were 50 years ago and how people treated one another. Thank you and you’re welcome, excuse me, holding a door open, are all slowly becoming a thing of the past. Sure people still do these things but what I am saying is that they are slowly starting to diminish.

But this article is talking about the respect of America and our flag. People need to keep teaching one another about how this country came about and what we as Americans stand for. As our settlers were forming our great country people worked hard for a better place, and they didn’t complain about it. America is a blessed country, and if you think it’s not, then you need to step out of your comfort zone and go take a look at many other countries. We have the right to speak our minds, and our religions. We have the right to vote either way we want to. In other countries you can and will be shot if you are caught supporting someone different that “they” don’t want.

So this little article I found talks about ways that we can teach our kids and the next generation about our blessed country and the respect we should show for her.

Also, as you read this please try to leave out your political party thoughts, we all know that what this article is talking about and it is not about being a Republican or a Democrat, it's about this country and the citizens that live in it. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Regardless of other beliefs, parents have a responsibility to teach children to respect our nation and to be proud to be an American. Here are some suggestions:

• 1.  Teach respect for the American flag by modeling appropriate behavior. Teach children the pledge of Allegiance, how to salute and care for the flag.
• 2.     Honor those who have served in our armed forces, both in the present and in the past.
• 3.     Make friends with a veteran in your church or community. Help your child record the stories these people can share.
• 4.     Plan a family trip to historical sites that offer re-enactment of early days in America. Before you visit, read about these events.
• 5.     Is your city planning an Independence Day parade? If so, attend or be a participant.
• 6.     Display an American Flag in your yard. Encourage neighbors to do the same.
• 7.     Take advantage of patriotic music or events scheduled in your church or community.
• 8.     Encourage your child to write a report on “Why I’m Proud to be an American.”
• 9.     Read about how the first Independence Day, July 4, 1776 was celebrated.
• 10.  Review American history with your children or grandchildren. Include people and events such as Paul Revere, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Second Continental Congress and George Washington. Encourage children to develop Trivia questions and plan a family night game time.

As your family celebrates Independence Day, make it more than food and fireworks. Remember the heroes who gave their lives to make our country free in the past, as well as those who served in our Armed Forces today. And thank God you live in a country like America.