Tuesday; July 3

Last week I took my first opportunity to visit Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland.  Fort McHenry played an important role if the War of 1812, but it is probably best known for being the focus of Francis Scott Key’s song “The Star Spangled Banner”, which became our National Anthem.  While the events of 1814 might be the highlight of the fort’s history, it played several roles in the decades (and wars) to come.  As I walked around the fort I appreciated the way it was interpreted.  In a time when it is easy to pick sides that promote social perspectives, the guardians of the fort captured the uneasiness surrounding the fort’s occupants throughout the years, especially during the Civil War.  Less than a half century following a glowing defense of the Americans from the British it became a part of a war that pitted “brothers against brothers”.  Less than a hundred miles from our nation’s capital – and in a state that was a hotbed of opinions in the 1860s – the fort stands as a symbol of our national struggle.  At one point it was the stronghold in one battle of freedom, at another time it housed people who were imprisoned for expressing their freedom.  As I walked over the grounds I was touched by how it captured the many layers of angst felt by our nation.
          Fort McHenry got me to thinking about us.  In this modern era it may be fashionable to blast people who are struggling with an ideology that is different than ours, but does this hardline do anything positive for anyone?  It is easy to ask the question, “How can you believe that?”, but when we belittle the opinions of others, we alienate people who might benefit our help and our guidance.  Just as our nation has struggled with ideals, so do individuals.  Often, they want to do what is right, but they may not have arrived at their maturity.  We can deride their place in life or we can help them along their journey.  Life can be a struggle – are we hampering or helping?
          Think About It!

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