"Our Banner in the Sky" by Frederic Edwin ChurchA Poem for Independence Day, July 4th, 2021, by Roy E. Peterson The Society July 3, 2021 Beauty, Culture, Poetry 8 Comments . The Future’s Illumined by the Deeds of the Past inspired by a quote from Alexis de Tocqueville The future’s illumined by deeds of the past. Without history into darkness we’re cast To walk aimlessly, to suffer and bleed, To never again be the land of the freed. Our liberty never was something ordained. Our liberty came with a force that unchained. Our freedom was bought by the brave and the dead Who stumbled through darkness with scant light ahead. We wave the flag proudly; we stand and salute The colors today on our parade route. The flag that Scott Key gazed at early one dawn Became the great flag that we now look upon. When you honor our flag, then you honor our country. You honor mankind and our right to live freely. Let’s stand up together this Fourth of July To cherish our freedom when we see it fly. . . LTC Roy E. Peterson is a writer, retired U.S. Army Military Intelligence Officer, Foreign Area Officer, and Foreign Commercial Officer who currently resides in Texas. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. Trending now: 8 Responses Allegra Silberstein July 3, 2021 A great poem to celebrate the 4th! Reply Roy E. Peterson July 3, 2021 Bless you, Allegra! Happy 4th of July! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant July 3, 2021 I love the title of this fine poem and the sentiment is spot on. Happy Independence Day and thank you, Roy! Reply Roy E. Peterson July 3, 2021 Bless you, Susan and Happy Independence Day to you in return! Reply Jeff Eardley July 4, 2021 Great to read Roy. Old Glory is a potent symbol of freedom everywhere. From over here in England, thank you. Reply Roy E. Peterson July 5, 2021 I greatly appreciate your thoughts and encouragement, Jeff. We stand together! Reply Sally Cook July 4, 2021 Roy, you are such a fine poet. And Church is one of my favorite painters. Thanks for the offering on this day of days. Reply Roy E. Peterson July 5, 2021 I am deeply humbled and appreciative of your kind comments. Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Susan Jarvis Bryant July 3, 2021 I love the title of this fine poem and the sentiment is spot on. Happy Independence Day and thank you, Roy! Reply
Jeff Eardley July 4, 2021 Great to read Roy. Old Glory is a potent symbol of freedom everywhere. From over here in England, thank you. Reply
Roy E. Peterson July 5, 2021 I greatly appreciate your thoughts and encouragement, Jeff. We stand together! Reply
Sally Cook July 4, 2021 Roy, you are such a fine poet. And Church is one of my favorite painters. Thanks for the offering on this day of days. Reply
