In the national anthem, a poem penned by Francis Scott Key, the Star-Spangled Banner, the last phrase of each stanza is “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” What does it mean for America to be the land of the free and the home of the brave? In this post, I will break this down and identify our call to action to experience this in our daily lives. You will find that this is not a uniquely American value, but a global one.
Freedom
In the context of the original poem, America was fighting the British at Fort McHenry. So freedom at this time was freedom from the tyranny of British oppression and freedom for a prisoner being held on a British ship. America, years earlier, fought and won its independence from British rule. The desire was a country governed by the people that live here. For the people to control their own destiny rather than have it governed for them by a King. The forefathers designed an elaborate and elegant government structure to realize this dream.
Not everyone was free at this time. There were slaves brought from distant lands and battles against indigenous peoples here long before the early American settlers. I do believe the goal today is for everyone to be free; free to control their destiny and shape the direction of their own lives. There are varying political views of what true freedom is for this country but the overall idea of freedom from oppression and self-determination rings true for the majority of Americans.
Bravery
The freedom that America enjoys today was hard fought for by brave peoples. To be brave is to throw yourself, sometimes against better judgment, in to a cause to see a goal realized. To be brave is to stand for an idea until it comes to fruition. To be brave is to face pain, prejudice, violence, and contrary opinions.
Many think of bravery most often associated with the military. It is true that our soldiers are brave and stand ready to defend America and its values, particularly that of freedom. I would argue, though, that bravery is spread widely throughout the population given my definitions above. The homeless person braves the cold, lonely streets to fight for their life, literally. The single mother or father works tirelessly to provide for their children and help them realize the American dream. I contend that there is a brave person within us all. We let it out when our dignity, freedom, and happy life are threatened in some way.
The Landscape of America
We are at a perhaps unique time in America. Deep political polarization plagues our society. We too easily divide ourselves into camps, the “us” and the “them.” We differ in our definitions of freedom. Perhaps we’re looking too myopically at the situation. Perhaps we could raise our gaze to a 50,000 foot view. In Sting’s iconic song, Russians, he paints a picture of such division between America and the Soviet Union. But he resolves in the final stanza:
We share the same biology, regardless of ideology
But what might save us, me and you
Is if the Russians love their children too.
Can we find such common ground today in America, in the world? We have much more in common than we have differences. And those things in common are really, really important.
A Call to Action
I call for you to rise up above the division and find that common ground. Brené Brown says “it’s hard to hate people when you see them up close and know their story.” Can we get close enough to each other to share our stories, to find out how much we love the same things?
This takes bravery. Because we have to give love in the face of violence, prejudice, and pain. Perhaps it will feel against our better judgment. But love is always the answer. Many brave teachers such as Muhammad, Jesus, and Martin Luther King, Jr., have said as much.
I challenge you to hate up close. No, I challenge you to bring your loving heart to the table, keep your eyes on the higher ideals, and to make a difference. Be brave, earn your freedom.
