Lest We Forget the Foundation of a Great Nation

17-year-old Andrew Larochelle, earlier this week, schooled some of our nation’s highest government officials. Through a simple letter written to his congressman, Larochelle reminded leaders of the very tenets of our nation. He requested that a flag be flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of his grandfather for his “love of God, country and family,” providing his congressman, along with many others, a sense of true American nostalgia. Though such a petition has left some to scoff at the entanglement of church and state through the inference of such a religious dedication, his request harkens back the long lost memories of this country’s humble beginnings through a few simple but powerful words.

He reminds U.S. lawmakers, who too often remain overly preoccupied in their partisan battles within the halls of congress, of their earlier roots. This country was founded by a diverse group of families, each with its unique history and purpose of moving to America. More particularly, Larochelle reminds that many of these families immigrated into America to escape religious persecution, in addition to a host of other reasons. America has since prided itself in its pursuit of such freedoms—whether it is the freedom of religion, speech, press, peaceable assembly, or to petition the government. Therefore, this country was essentially founded on the very expression that Larochelle addressed in his letter—for the love of God (religion), country, and family. Thus, it is America’s responsibility to uphold such ideals, and re-affirm Larochelle’s request to have a flag raised atop the Capitol in honor of his grandfather for his “love of God, country, and family.”

While some criticism over architect Stephen Ayers’s decision to include the word “God,” on certificates accompanying flags flown over the U.S. Capitol may remain, such a reaffirmation in policy is needed to remind leaders, along with others, that the true colors of our nation are reflected through none other than the will of the people. Representative Michael R. Turner (R-Ohio) affirmed that through the allowance of certificates accompanying flags flown over the U.S. Capitol to include the word “God,” the people have “won a great victory for American traditions, religious freedoms and freedom of expression.” In such divisive times as these in which lawmakers remain in deadlock due to opposing idealisms, it is important that individuals like 17-year-old Andrew Larochelle continue to challenge the government and its leaders to stick to core American traditions and values, reminding them of who and what they truly stand for.