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Jeff Johnson's avatar

Amen, and thank you, Jenna! A happy and blessed Fourth of July to you and yours as well! It's just so encouraging to read this kind of patriotic prose, especially in light of all the great things that President Trump is doing in this country, not to mention the world at large too. I loved this line, "We don’t need signs or pledges, icons, or diversity flags because flying the American flag already means these things." The absolute truth for all of us with no other agenda. I actually lived in the L.A. area in the early 70s and was a big Dodger fan at that time. I had forgotten about this incident with Rick Monday saving the flag and the day.

I retired from being a high school volleyball official as of last fall after 20 years. And like you, I always looked forward to hearing and singing the National Anthem. Sadly, the area where I officiated in DFW has a lot of woke types, and back in 2021, I was working the matches at the very high school from which both of my daughters graduated in 2010 and 2014. On this particular night at this particular school, there was no American flag anywhere, and not even a Texas flag. To top it off, they refused to play the National Anthem. The only time in my 20-year career I saw that level of disrespect. BUT...the team they were playing, the visiting team, spontaneously began the sing the song a capella, and many, if not most, of the people there began to sing as well, including yours truly. I went over to their bench before the match began and thanked them for their courage and patriotism! I get chill bumps even now as I write about it.

God, thank you for blessing America!

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Jenna Stocker's avatar

This is incredible! Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story. The American Spirit fights on, a torch in hand to light the path for freedom loving people the world over.

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Michael Warden's avatar

Wonderful story - the noble and courageous spirit lives!

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Jeff Johnson's avatar

Yes, exactly. Ironically, the coach of the team that began the singing is not a native America, but a naturalized citizen. We became brothers in arms that day and had a connection whenever I officiated his team. He's really a great guy, great coach.

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Mark Dowell's avatar

Yes, wonderful story Jeff. I too had forgotten the Rick Monday story.

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Michael Warden's avatar

"because flying the american flag already means these things"

Love that! Cue Jimmy Hendrix!

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Jenna Stocker's avatar

Thank you, sir! I hope your Independence Day was filled with blessing of family and friends and good music!

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Jonathan Hemingway's avatar

Great story. Thanks for sharing. This streak of self hatred and out group preference appears to be a recent development in our history. I’m suspicious of anyone who says otherwise

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Jenna Stocker's avatar

Yes, there is a much greater emphasis on our differences than on the celebrations of our shared bonds as Americans. It's dangerously self-destructive as it sows the seeds of divisiveness and resentment.

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Noah Whiteflag's avatar

Jenna,

Thank you for this heroic story, all of it, every word! I am much older than you. I live in a different part of our great country. Nonetheless, your writing shows how much we Americans share — more than most people would imagine. You might be surprised how much your grandparents situations, military service, work ethic & belief in what Old Glory symbolizes align with my own family. That is why, despite the mainstream media’s worldview, we will not perish. This is the USA — we are Americans.

Thank you again, God blessed you — keep writing from your heart.

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Jenna Stocker's avatar

This is so very generous of you, sir. Thank you, always, for your encouragement and wisdom. There is a family of patriots that keep the flame of liberty and freedom lit, and it shines bright now, as bright as we believe in it.

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Donald's avatar

Hello, Jenna. Reading your articles is like seeing a beloved old friend. I too live in an area where there are many signs that spell out the residents righteousness and various flags that are not our American Flag. My old glory goes up on the side of the garage on my 1969 built ranch home, daily. I’ve always told my wife the same thing that you stated. This flag represents all American people and allows us to voice what ever opinion we have. God bless America and Rick Monday. Thank you Jenna.

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Jenna Stocker's avatar

Thank you for flying the flag, Donald. It's a testament to your patriotism and love of country that you keep the American Spirit alive. Thank you for your very kind words. I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July!

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David Wolosik's avatar

Happy Independence Day to you and your family Jenna! And thank you for standing up for America in your personal life. America, its history and values are certainly under attack. We have had other attacks in the past and overcame them resoundingly. We're not done yet!

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Jenna Stocker's avatar

Never give up. America didn’t survive fierce battles just to surrender. Americans aren’t quitters.

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Mark Dowell's avatar

Hi Jenna, thank you for this beautiful and deeply personal reflection. Your writing captures something profound about the complexity and enduring power of American symbols - how they can hold both our struggles and our highest aspirations.

The way you connect your family’s immigrant story and military service to your own daily choice to fly the flag is particularly moving. There’s something powerful about those quiet, consistent acts of respect and remembrance that speak louder than any yard sign.

Your writing continues to be thoughtful and engaging. I hope this Fourth of July brings you the celebration and peace you’re seeking. You are in my Prayers – God Bless You and your family. Mark

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Jenna Stocker's avatar

I’m humbled by your kind words, Mark. Thank you so much.

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Theodore Olson's avatar

What Michael Warden said up top! That struck me heartily as well. And I know Jeff liked it, too. Thank you for writing this!

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James Nick's avatar

Great essay, Jenna.

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Jenna Stocker's avatar

Thank you, James.

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Something More Than Paternity's avatar

Again, amazing! God bless America!

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Jenna Stocker's avatar

Yes! God bless. Thank you and I hope you and your family had a wonderful day!

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Jim McCraigh's avatar

Perfect post... just shared!

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Jenna Stocker's avatar

Thank you, Jim. I’m so very grateful!

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Thaddeus Cline's avatar

The last thing I would ever support is the flying if that flag . Or the people who support it .

I won’t go into a home with it outside . And I certainly don’t stand up at sports events and salute the flag.

Showing it obviously shows lack of education and lack of foreign affairs .

The worst thing to say in any language is “ God only knows “

That ends all inquiry into the subject . And it’s allowing an authoritarian to think for you..

You learn not to think when you support a flag without knowing what it really stands for.

Am I professional and psychology were told not to use the word cult. We are told to use the word tribe.. but you are the most dangerous cult. The world has ever seen and you should be ashamed for not just being in it but pushing it I’m embarrassed by you and the schools that let you out.

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