Gerald Kleczka: “the American flag is a visible symbol of all the elements that make our nation great. A strong military, a system of…”

“the American flag is a visible symbol of all the elements that make our nation great. A strong military, a system of checks and balances, a government by and for the people. Underlying these ideals is the Constuition and the Bill of Rights, perhaps the most perfect document yet created by man in pursuit of a fair and just government. Central to the Constitution are the rights and freedoms delineated in the Bill of Rights, which has yet to be amended, although over 200 years have passed since these tenets were drafted. Every American is familiar with the first of these amendments, which states unequivocally that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or abridge the freedom of speech. As former Commander of the American Legion Keith A. Kreul states, ``Our nation was not founded on devotion to symbolic idols, but on principles, beliefs and ideals expressed in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. American veterans who have protected our banner in battle have not done so to protect a ``golden calf.'' Instead, they carried the banner forward with reverence for what it represents--our beliefs and freedom for all. Therein lies the beauty of our flag.'' The freedom to publicly voice one's dissent of their government is a quality that separates our great nation from others. The United States of America has a long and proud history of providing this right to its citizens, and I do not believe that the voice of freedom should be muzzled.”