The Star Spangled Banner is the only national anthem that ends with a question. Does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave? Does the American flag still stand for political freedom and individual courage?
In the months and years ahead, those of us fighting for our gun rights will be asking ourselves that very question.
Are Americans willing to sacrifice their freedom for an illusion of collective safety? While gun rights advocates continue their struggle to defend and extend Americans’ individual, constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms, we should remember the personal bravery that gives us the chance to preserve our heritage of liberty and self-reliance.
We owe it to our soldiers, sailors, airmen and all of our military veterans to do what we must to be able to answer Francis Scott Key’s question in the affirmative. Happy Veteran’s Day.