Felix de Weldon, Marine Corps War Memorial, 1951-1954

The United States of America, “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” remains our great country’s name. From Washington crossing the Delaware to the terrorist attack on September 11, brave American men and women sacrificed their lives to protect the promise of freedom.

America has faced difficult times - slavery, the fear of global spread of fascism and communism, and natural disasters throughout the 235 years. But our flag remains the same: a flag representing all ethnicities and beliefs. Either from raising the flag on Iwo Jima or planting it into the rubble and debris of ground zero, the American flag waves high for the remembrance of our liberty and justice.

I am grateful for Americans who gave us that liberty like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Lutheran King Jr., and the millions of others who died for The United States and their fellow Americans. On Thanksgiving, Americans should remember these courageous men and women in our prayers and in our hearts for the sacrifices they gave us.