Letter to the Editor

Naperville SUN

What Was Missing on July 4^th?

On the fourth of July, Americans celebrate our freedom and independence, remembering the day in 1776 when 56 brave patriots put their names on the Declaration of Independence, pledging their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor in the name of liberty and freedom.

On this day in particular, we should proudly display the symbol of this country and all that she means to her citizens and to those she has freed from the bonds of communism and oppression.

In her eloquent poem, "I Am The Flag," Ruth Apperson Rous refers to the flag as "I am your title deed of freedom, which is yours to enjoy and hold in trust for posterity. If you fail to keep this sacred trust inviolate, if I am nullified and destroyed, you and your children will become slaves to dictators and despots. Eternal vigilance is your price of freedom."

Many of our members canvassed Naperville on July 4^th and counted how many flags were flying. Out of 1,099 homes canvassed, only 220 were flying Old Glory.

In several neighborhoods, only 8% of the homes displayed our flag.

What was missing on July 4^th? It wasn't ribs, beer or fireworks. For many, it was Patriotism.

Howard Breeden

President, Naperville TEA Patriots