The Warsaw Community Public Library hosted a story time event with guest reader Karen Tharp, surrounded by her grandchildren, Aaron, Anna, Aubrey and Allison Jones. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Public Library.

By Amy Mann
Children’s Services
Warsaw Community Public Library

WARSAW — According to Wikipedia, a patriotic song is one which inspires feelings of pride in one’s country. I love listening to children singing songs about the land they love. My kids learned the names of the states from the song “Fifty Nifty United States.” My son will be coming back to Warsaw this month for his 20th high school reunion. I asked him if he remembered the song. Bits and pieces, but not the whole thing, he said. He does like a good patriotic anthem, though. And he and his sister did learn a lot about their country through the songs they learned as children.

Our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” is a symbol of American pride. It’s a reminder of our shared past, replete with brave men and women and their families who have, and still are, making unimaginable sacrifices for the freedom of their fellow Americans and others around the world. It’s a symbol of solidarity today and of promise for tomorrow.

According to the Flag Code, drawn up in 1923 under the auspices of the American Legion, our response to the flag and to the national anthem shows our respect for our country’s historical heritage. During civilian events, a respectful person will stand, remove any non-religious head covering, face the flag if one is in the vicinity, place their right hand over their heart, and sing along, if appropriate. It is impolite to talk, eat or drink, or to distract from the performance of the anthem. It is not illegal to not follow these recommendations, and no punishment will be meted out by the government for breaching them, but there is something to be said for being in unity with your neighbors and being thankful for the freedoms we enjoy in the United States of America.

Warsaw Community Public Library offers many resources to those looking for information about our country’s past, present and future. We have printed and online resources, music and spoken-word recordings, videos and magazines. Come in and let us help you discover America. Our website is warsawlibrary.org, and we are located at 310 E. Main St. in Warsaw.

And remember to finish logging your reading for our Summer Reading challenge for all ages. It ends July 31. Enjoy your summer.