Fifty-two stars, a blue field, seven red stripes, and six white stripes. A star for each of our states. Blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice. Red for hardiness and valor. White for purity and innocence. Combined, these colors and images symbolize our demoncratic country. Waving in our ocean blown wind against a summer sky, our flag waves the pride we take in our country and those who have fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy each day.

Robert Frost’s poem Mending Wall describes two neighbors who share a stone wall along their property line. The poem states “something there is that doesn’t love a wall” and goes on to describe the ways nature pushes and pulls at walls. In contrast to nature’s undoing of the wall, the neighbors recognize “good fences make good neighbors.” The speaker of the poem struggles to understand why this is true.

The poem raises this question: What makes a good wall? The word “mending” from the poem’s title suggests a good wall provides the opportunity for neighbors to tend to their relationship. A good wall is something neighbors build together out of respect for each other and a common commitment to the ideals of freedom. Maintaining our individual spaces together is how we are able to grow to our unique potential – each in our own way – being stronger as a united nation than we would ever be alone. 

The decision to serve our Nation speaks to one’s commitment to others. A life of service is the highest calling because it sends a message to others that you see them clearly, that they matter to you, and that you are willing to make sacrifices for them.

Members of our military are ambassadors who represent all that is good about our country. Their uniform stands as a symbol of  stewardship of a nation founded on freedom. Our soldiers each stand as our neighbors protecting our way of life and traveling beyond our own borders to aid those struggling for the same freedoms we enjoy here at home.

This Memorial Day weekend I hope you have an opportunity to read up on some American history, reflect on the importance of our democratic way of life, and pay tribute to those who sacrificed so that we might live freely. Consider the walls you might “mend,” and in doing so advance the dream of our nation – that all people enjoy the “unalienable” Rights of  Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Peace,
Chris