The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Oh Say Can You See

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

4 July 2001

Oh say can you see it is Independence Day today?

Can you see what so proudly we hail, waving in the breeze in your yard, along the city streets, in front of the schools and post offices - our American flag.

Maybe you will be lucky enough to take in the fireworks, or a parade somewhere, with some veterans marching so proudly carrying our dear flag.

They will be holding it, oh so proudly, and so carefully.

Maybe you will be able to attend a special program given by a veteran or historian that will remind you of just how great freedom feels.

Maybe you will attend a good American ballgame such as the Bees Ball Park tonight in Burlington, Iowa, and take a moment to thank God for the ability to enjoy baseball in this great country.

Maybe you will rejoice as they again display the fireworks in honor of our Independence Day at the end of the ballgame.

Maybe you are planning on taking your family to see Pearl Harbor which is still playing through Thursday at Westland Mall theater:

Pearl Harbor PG-13 3 hrs. 03 min. 12:15 PM, 4:00 PM, 7:45 PM

I would highly recommend it for mature audiences.

Lady Liberty has never laid down her torch, nor will she, nor will the soldier ever not be proud of their American flag. It can't happen.

Oh, say can you see:

the pain on the soldiers faces,
the strength and pride on our Lady Liberty's face.
the strength in the voices as they sing our National Anthem
the hush of the crowd as the colors are presented at La Harpe's graduations
the tear in the eye of one who paid the price with the loss of a son
the hung heads of the soldiers who saw things they still can not talk about.
the daughter who was raised without a father
the schools and libraries, homes and businesses that were built by the strong, compassionate hands of soldiers who retuned home.

Oh say can you see, they are still serving their country out of love, respect, and mostly gratefulness that they stand on a free soil.

It started with our forefathers seeking a free land. It continues with everyone who really understands what freedom means.

Oh, say can you see?