RECOGNIZING THE RAMPARTS THAT PROTECT OUR FREEDOMS
An Essay Offered in Commemoration of 250 years of Freedom
This is the week that “We the People” of the United States prepare to commemorate the founding of our Country on July 4th, 1776, 250 years ago, the date on which Declaration of Independence was adopted.
Thirty-eight years later on September 14, 1814 an American lawyer by the name of Francis Scott Key was on the British Ship HMS Tonnant as part of a negotiation team attempting to negotiate the release of prisoners. There in Baltimore Harbor he watched the on shore Battle of Fort McHenry. Inspired by seeing the fort’s flag survive the War of 1812 battle he wrote a poem that became the basis for the lyrics of the National Anthem of the United States, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
In the lyrics of that poem turned song are the words, “Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallant streaming.”
As I joined in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a Sunday gathering, I questioned, “Just what are ramparts?” After the meeting had ended I pulled out my iphone and asked all-knowing Siri. The answer came back that ramparts are a defensive wall or barrier built as a fortification to protect from aggressors.
The ramparts over which Francis Scott Key looked assisted in the defense of Fort McHenry helping to protect the then 15 stars and 15 stripes United States flag.
This has prompted me to reflect, what are the figurative ramparts that have continued to help protect the United States and its flag from aggressors? Will they remain in place to protect our nation’s freedom for the next 250 years and beyond?
Again I returned to Siri for assistance. This time she directed me to her new found friend ChatGTP who, among others, volunteered the following as to what the figurative ramparts are that protect the United States.
“. The Constitution and legal system: Safeguarding rights and the rule of law”
That response brought to mind a speech and discussion that followed at The Alaska Bar Convention that I had attended this past year on the subject of “The Rule of Law.” It soon became apparent that “rule of law” was subject to varying interpretations depending upon one’s political persuasion. That said, it was apperent that there was agreement that the Constitution in its present form to include its amendments was a valued document worth preserving.
The other offered figurative ramparts that protect our freedoms today included:
“. The military and intelligence agencies: Defending against external threats.
. Alliances and diplomacy: Building global partnerships for security and stability.
. Economic strength and innovation: Providing resilience against crises and adversities.
. Civic engagement and democratic institutions: Preserving national unity and freedoms.
As to the above three additional figurative ramparts, we as individual citizens can have input by electing those who will best represent us to carry out and implement them.
The final figurative rampart is one for which we can play a direct role beginning with voting to elect the above referenced representatives. We can also be an active participant in democratic institutions such as churches that foster freedom and the many civic organizations that do likewise.
Link to Video Playlist of Literal Ramparts in the World and Our Flag Yet Waving:
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USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
RECOGNIZING THE RAMPARTS THAT PROTECT OUR FREEDOMS
An Essay Offered in Commemoration of 250 years of Freedom
This is the week that “We the People” of the United States prepare to commemorate the founding of our Country on July 4th, 1776, 250 years ago, the date on which Declaration of Independence was adopted.
Thirty-eight years later on September 14, 1814 an American lawyer by the name of Francis Scott Key was on the British Ship HMS Tonnant as part of a negotiation team attempting to negotiate the release of prisoners. There in Baltimore Harbor he watched the on shore Battle of Fort McHenry. Inspired by seeing the fort’s flag survive the War of 1812 battle he wrote a poem that became the basis for the lyrics of the National Anthem of the United States, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
In the lyrics of that poem turned song are the words, “Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallant streaming.”
As I joined in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a Sunday gathering, I questioned, “Just what are ramparts?” After the meeting had ended I pulled out my iphone and asked all-knowing Siri. The answer came back that ramparts are a defensive wall or barrier built as a fortification to protect from aggressors.
The ramparts over which Francis Scott Key looked assisted in the defense of Fort McHenry helping to protect the then 15 stars and 15 stripes United States flag.
This has prompted me to reflect, what are the figurative ramparts that have continued to help protect the United States and its flag from aggressors? Will they remain in place to protect our nation’s freedom for the next 250 years and beyond?
Again I returned to Siri for assistance. This time she directed me to her new found friend ChatGTP who, among others, volunteered the following as to what the figurative ramparts are that protect the United States.
“. The Constitution and legal system: Safeguarding rights and the rule of law”
That response brought to mind a speech and discussion that followed at The Alaska Bar Convention that I had attended this past year on the subject of “The Rule of Law.” It soon became apparent that “rule of law” was subject to varying interpretations depending upon one’s political persuasion. That said, it was apperent that there was agreement that the Constitution in its present form to include its amendments was a valued document worth preserving.
The other offered figurative ramparts that protect our freedoms today included:
“. The military and intelligence agencies: Defending against external threats.
. Alliances and diplomacy: Building global partnerships for security and stability.
. Economic strength and innovation: Providing resilience against crises and adversities.
. Civic engagement and democratic institutions: Preserving national unity and freedoms.
As to the above three additional figurative ramparts, we as individual citizens can have input by electing those who will best represent us to carry out and implement them.
The final figurative rampart is one for which we can play a direct role beginning with voting to elect the above referenced representatives. We can also be an active participant in democratic institutions such as churches that foster freedom and the many civic organizations that do likewise.
Link to Video Playlist of Literal Ramparts in the World and Our Flag Yet Waving:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLN9cpvcBnp74
Related Photos:
The Star-Spangled Banner that Yet Waves:
Literal Ramparts in the World Today:
Showing off her puppy
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
Elvis and hos recordd
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
Saw him in Vegas. Amazing voice, no hype needed. Sad ending.
Nice car 🚗 jwp
"When they can't find anything wrong with you, they create it!"
"When they can't find anything wrong with you, they create it!"
"When they can't find anything wrong with you, they create it!"
Videos in the Above and Below Linked Playlist with each accompanied by entertaining music:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLN9cpvcBnp74