Follow the Flag

Tiff told us about a great opportunity in Pleasant Grove.  An Organization called Follow the Flag has  a giant 11,700 square foot flag flying between two mountain peaks.  The path up is lined with military flags and each state flag.

It was a short, steep climb up to the flag.

I looked on the Follow the Flag website and this is the mission statement:

"We are courageous Americans who are not afraid to share our ideas, to stand out, and to strengthen each other’s patriotism. Flying this huge flag across a 600-foot canyon wall has had far more impact than ever anticipated. The simple idea turned into something much more than “simple”.

The feelings standing under that flag at the base of a beautiful mountain are palpable. It becomes a hallowed place. Mothers of fallen soldiers have stood beneath the waving flag and wept. Veterans stood in silence with hands over their hearts, tears streaming down their faces. Most importantly, children were absolutely inspired and excited by the sight.

Each one of us has the responsibility to be courageous, to speak out, to have hope, and to inspire patriotism in others. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, rich or poor, religious or not, the spirit of the American flag has a way of making us all feel connected."

I love all of that.  We need more patriotism in this world right now.  I love that they said it becomes "a hallowed place."  The more I study US history, the more correlation I see with the Book of Mormon and our great country.  I see the connections as I start to understand how essential agency is.  Our Heavenly Parents are so respectful of agency that They won't infringe on any of our agency.  Jesus Christ sacrificed His life so that we could have agency and still have the opportunity to return back to our Heavenly Parents. Christ knew agency was so essential that he was willing to lay down his life to give us access to it.  I'm in awe of how many people past and present are willing to sacrifice their lives to liberate and give freedom to all. I really believe it is God's work to fight for freedom and to protect our freedom and our rights to, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

The flag should make all Americans feel connected.  It should help us feel united as we put our Country first and fight against evil.  It breaks my heart to see how divided our country has become and that some turn our flag into a way to make a statement instead of giving It the respect It deserves.  Our flag reminds me of the men and women who have sacrificed so much, even their lives so that we can have our freedoms and live in a country, where anyone can rise up and make a beautiful life for themselves.  I'm so proud to be an American!

I'm so grateful that I was taught to love our country, appreciate the men and women who sacrifice for our country and respect the flag.  Grandpa led all of us in The Pledge of Allegiance. 

I have felt an increase in need and desire to help my kids understand and appreciate our wonderful country.  I want them to know all about history, the good, the bad and the ugly.  It has made us who we are and we learn so much from history, I believe that is why we have the scriptures.  There is so much to learn from the people who came before us.  I'm so grateful that so many people were directed by God and willing to do hard things to make this country what it is today.

We sat up by the flag for a while and just enjoyed the view.

We had a gorgeous view of the valley and Utah Lake on our way down.

Tiff and Paul had us all over for dessert after the hike.

The girls were in the basement and we could hear them laughing hysterically.  I think it had something to do with a Buns of Steel tape that Tiff has.  I think it used to be Jen's, she was obsessed with those workouts when they came out.  I love hearing the girls laugh until they cry!