Amazement

I am always amazed at the lack of fortitude many Americans display when asked to show their pride and patriotism. They may fly a flag, but do they really step up? Our museum and educational center is focused on American History, and the history of the American Presidency. We are a small museum and center with grand designs on growing into one that garners national recognition.

Of our visitors, we estimate that more than 90% are surprised at our collection and exhibits, and quite pleased at what they find, what they learn, and the over all experience. Yet, as they pass the various donation locations, they do not leave even a dollar, they pick up our museum patron information, and as soon as they realize it is asking for their financial support, they return it to the rack. City leaders have turned the museum down for funding, with a form letter of denial, and most have never walked through our doors.

Yet, we have welcomed visitors from the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, the Eisenhower Presidential Library, retired Secret Service members, and others that have given glowing feedback on our efforts. Even the Missouri Humanities Council during a museum evaluation declared our museum one of the best they have evaluated in the last seven years!

Recently it is said that a presidential candidate removed his United States Flag lapel pin as an act of declaring that he does not support the war in Iraq. When did wearing the Flag become a show of support for the war? Is it not in support of our nation, our troops, our efforts? We fly flags at our businesses, some of us still fly flags at our homes, many still have the magnetic flags on our cars, a practice that gained huge support after the attacks of September 11, 2001.

When did wearing the flag become a political statement? I've always believed it was a statement of pride in our nation.

Another candidate is the father of several sons, none of which have made the choice to serve in the armed forces. This candidate stated that they were serving their country by working on his campaign for the presidency. When did dining at $1000 per plate dinners, or driving a $500,000 campaign bus equate with fighting on the front lines side by side with soldiers and Marines?

I am an Army Mom. My son, a US Army Medic has completed two tours of duty in Iraq. Our family home, our cars, our businesses proudly display the American Flag. Our hearts and our words and our efforts proudly declare our American pride.

I caution those who turn a blind eye to preserving our history, our story, that some day, it will become forgotten or worse rewritten. Those who have fought so valiantly from the days of the Revolutionary War through today, will not be remembered, that our Founding Fathers, and the leaders who have followed will be lost amidst the rhetoric and cynicism of today.

Preserve American history, support the efforts of museums, educational centers and preservation sites, and wear your patriotism with pride. Do not mistake our nation's flag as a symbol of war or support of war, any war. It is a symbol of the fight for freedom that so many have fought on our behalf.

Visit our museum website at http://www.americaspresidency.org/.