Kevin Hollaway
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
How easy it is to forget the sacrifices that those before us have made. Our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. Generation upon generation that built a better world for us. Better, but not perfect. They were not seeking perfection, just working at making a better life for their children and grandchildren. They looked out for one another and had pride in their nation. They fought the hard battles for freedom in our country, once in order to form our nation, then to allow all men and women to live as one, and under one flag. How can anyone question standing up for that flag now? Hundreds of thousands died "on our own soil" to end slavery. Many fought and died to keep the status quo, many others fought and died to end it. We have proven many times that we are willing to fight and die for the freedom of all of our citizens, and the citizens of other countries as well. We know that war is hell, but we are willing to go through hell to do what is right and just. Battlefields soaked in blood that we honor still today. Why? Because we did what was right to end tyranny, slavery and oppression, no matter what the cost.
Yes, we make mistakes, all people do. And because leaders are human beings, and nations are made up of human beings, they make mistakes too. We should never idolize anyone by thinking they are or were perfect. There was only one perfect man on this earth and we crucified him, and we would likely do it again today. Maybe because he said the wrong thing or didn't go along with the party line or because he dared to stand up for what was right. Or maybe just because he had an opinion that we didn't agree with. What gives us the right to voice our opinion? That's right, freedom. God given, fought and died for and never free. We will continue to lead the world because we do not claim to be a perfect nation, but we are the "only nation" that is willing and able to make things right, and do what is right, no matter what the cost. Because that is who we are as Americans, and that is who we will always be. One nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.