I am embarrassed to admit that the 4th of July was just a day off from work. The flag, the colors red, white and blue were only of seasonal importance to me and even that wasn’t much. I didn’t own an American flag.

Fierce love and loyalty came over me as the tragedy unfolded. The emotions hit me like the death of a loved one. First stunned, then great grief, then anger. As the days went by, my heart swelled at the outpouring of patriotism and an understanding of what we have here.

I continue to fly my flag daily in support of this great country. We have our problems but it’s a far cry better than any place else on earth!

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands, one nation, UNDER GOD, with liberty and justice for all.”

Carol Eller McCaffrey, Lawrence