Red, White and Blue Diversity

Diverse people make up America, serve and protect America, die for America's ideals, challenge America and govern America. We breathe the same air, drink the same water, and walk on the same earth in our unique but similar ways.

Merriam-Webster dictionary describes DIVERSITY as "1 : differing from one another : unlike <people with diverse interests> 2 : composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities <a diverse population>"

On Memorial Day we, in our diverse ways, remember the diverse soldiers who suffered and died for our freedom--freedom we often take for granted. Those who have been in war, as military or as innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, know the real price of freedom purchased by blood and death. The rest of us only think we know. We could all benefit by increasing our understanding.

Amazingly, with a population of over 300,000,000 persons of immeasurable diversities of race, creed, religion, income level, sexual preference, nation of birth, education levels, life experience, political persuasion, income and physical composition (to name a few), our country struggles and mostly succeeds to co-exist under the Stars and Stripes.

School children across the land unite and pledge their allegiance before the red, white and blue fabric that symbolizes over 200 years of national pride. In 1963, Rabbi Joachim Prinz stood before thousands gathered for the historic March on Washington, and delivered a speech that deserves our attention and provides an inspirational focus for this Memorial Day commemoration.

This holiday weekend is a perfect time to ponder diversity--in whatever way it inspires or confounds us--and turn to our inner source of strength, the divine spark within each of us, and resolve to truly memorialize the great women and men whose ideals, actions and sacrifices are represented in Old Glory....This 3-minute slide show, "Red, White and Blue Diversity" offers a reflection on the Stars and Stripes that hopefully will enhance this weekend's patriotic activities.

An aside: I think a great use of stimulus dollars would be a widespread US flag replacement effort. Flag makers (and raw goods suppliers) would benefit, retail establishments selling flags would have increased traffic, and for those who have a worn flag but no way to pay for it--let Uncle Sam treat!

Seems to me it's a good idea to occasionally step back and appreciate what we've got--from humble abode to plush digs; family and friends who support us in myriad ways; access to food, health services, child care, transportation and safe communities; educational opportunities; and a land that provides us the freedom to agree and disagree. For those who lack the essentials, we make a national commitment to share our wealth so no one has to do without in this land of plenty. Perhaps we will refresh our determination to do our individual parts to bring to reality the phrase "with liberty and justice for all."