Patriotism

I was weeding this week while dark, threatening storm clouds were building overhead. As I looked up to check the clouds I saw one of the most beautiful sights an American patriot could imagine. A single ray of sunlight burst through and spotlighted our American flag. The flag, illuminated by sunlight, stood out in stark contrast against the dark clouds. I was suddenly overwhelmed with emotions and thoughts of our nation’s history.

My first thought was of Old Glory flying over Fort McHenry where Francis Scott Key penned the poem “The Defence of Fort M'Henry” on September 14, 1814. The poem was...