It was 240 years ago when men and women took a stand against a monarchy interested only in power, money, but not the concerns of its people here. These people faced real dangers by standing out against the crown. They did it for the betterment of a community.
Those men took to arms in 1775. Others later took to pen and paper. On the year in which this country declared her independence, a flag was created. One in which our Revolutionary Army fought under as a representation of who they fought for, why they fought, and the brothers in arms who fought as one underneath it.
Today, young people are taking to a cause fueled by social media called the “Eric Sheppard Challenge.” Whereas last year people took to dumping ice water over their heads in support of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research, this year’s social effort leaves one guessing.
Sheppard is an African America student out of Valdosta State in Georgia who reportedly left a backpack unattended while appearing at a local protest. When authorities searched the backpack, it allegedly contained a handgun. Sheppard has reportedly fled since.
The challenge calls upon people to stomp on the American flag, as it represents white supremacy, and the act is a physical protest against black genocide.
How that ties into Sheppard, is vague.
There may be plenty to dislike about what is happening in our country today, and voicing your frustration is a right you have under our First Amendment: Freedom of Religion (The Establishment Clause and The Free Exercise Clause), Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Assembly; and Right to Petition the Government.
Listen, be angry. Shout out loud. Write a letter to the editor. Call your congressman. Meet with like-minded people to collaborate your efforts. Be a part of change. There are men and women who did the same as you, fighting under a flag that united them in a just cause.
The same one you’re standing on now.
One of the many sad things about this message is that what these protestors are attempting to convey is not clear. After reading about it, there’s still a disconnect between the act and the message. All that can be remembered is the desecration of this symbol most of us identify with the efforts placed into defending our freedoms.
As Memorial Day approaches, I’m reminded by what Voltaire said. “I may not agree with what you say, but I’ll defend to the death for your right to say it.” And, on each Memorial Day, the graves of veterans past are decorated with a flag.
Those who fought for our freedoms have my respect. Those who stand on our flag do not.
