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In this day of unrest and controversy, maybe we need to all take a step back and help us rethink our times and realize what our country has stood for over the years and who we are in the ups and downs of history.

‘A Little Naked Patriotism’ by Baxter Black might help put things in perspective. Baxter Black carries a powerful message.

“With your permission I would like to indulge in a little naked patriotism on this week of celebrating our nation’s independence.

The United States of America, during my lifetime has become a nation like none other on earth. Not because it is the most powerful nation on earth, but because we, more times than I can count, have taken the side of the oppressed with no intention to conquer, rule or pillage.

In the act of offering our assistance, we have sacrificed blood, money and lives. We have beat ourselves up. We have questioned our motives. Our leaders have engaged in heated debate about the hows and whys, but we continue to be the single brightest light for the world’s mistreated. We will take on the schoolyard bully.

In spite of all our mistakes, missteps, misjudgments and misgivings, the world today would be a completely different place if our country; conservative, liberal, black, white, rich, poor, north, south, Manhattan, New York, or Manhattan, Kansas, Americans all, had turned our back on the injustices and inhumanities that relentlessly stalk the globe.

Supporting the troops and their families on the front lines in the war on terror is not a partisan act. It is an act of pride, compassion, love, concern, anguish and hope.

They carry our colors into harm’s way, and have since 1776. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Flag That flew over Valley Forge. Was torn in two by the gray and the blue And bled through two world wars.

I give you the flag that burned in the street In protest, in anger and shame, The very same flag that covered the men Who died defending her name.

We now stand together, Americans all, Either by choice or by birth To honor the flag that’s flown on the moon And changed the face of the earth.

History will show this flag stood a friend To the hungry, the homeless and lost. That a mixture of men as common as clay Valued one thing beyond cost. And they’ve signed it in blood from Bunker Hill To Saigon, Kuwait, Bosnia Kabul, Baghdad, Syria and Toko Ri.

I give you the flag that says to the world Each man has a right to be free.”