Put anthem's ideas into practice

Some 200 years ago, Americans were on the verge of being eliminated as a nation of free people. Cities burned, many fought and died, then Americans watched as another city was about to be put to the torch.

All night long they watched and listened for the coming doom, all watched for the fall of the American flag from the ramparts. All night long the brave defenders held out and at dawn our flag was still there for all to see. That day marked the turning of our defeat to the salvation of our country, and yet many today in this country are unaware of this or the meaning of each word in the national anthem.

President Lincoln said: "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."

President Kennedy said: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

So many of us today are too busy with keeping our jobs, taking care of the kids with all their needs, running around doing errands, home maintenance, shopping and so many other needs that no time is left for anything else. We have no time for dusty old words from a time that has nothing to do with us.

What am I asking? For you the common citizen to look at who you allowed to be in elected office and where they have been taking this state and country. Do you think more of the same will make this land better?

Do you think unaided freedom will last forever? President Reagan asked: "Are you better off than you were four years ago?"

Answer that question and then remember the previous quotes of President Kennedy and Lincoln.

Connie Shanahan Mundelein