This picture of the flag was taken at the Perth Amboy City Hall Circle on Memorial Day, May 27, 2013. It took about 15 photos before I finally found the perfect shot. The day before mother nature did not cooperate but on the 27th the day could not have been more perfect.

The sky was a beautiful shade of blue. The sun was shining and the temperature was comfortable.

I’ve noticed on most patriotic holidays Mother Nature has mostly cooperated. We’ve had days where it has been bitter cold and windy, but not so bad as to postpone the celebration

When I was taking the pictures, the Star Spangled Banner kept popping into my head. I’ve gone to events where the Pledge of Allegiance is recited and sometimes there are people who make it a point to sit it out. This excludes those who may not be able to stand because of a handicap.

Some people say the reason that they don’t say the Pledge of Allegiance is because the words are not true.

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

I is the word that jumps out. Man is not perfect. When I look at those words its up to me as an individual to put those words into action. I pledge… You can’t force another individual to respect their fellow man.

You are a part of this nation and those words are telling you what you should do. It’s up to you whether or not you wish to honor those words.

It was almost a year ago in May when the towns of Perth and South Amboy announced that they would be holding joint Fireworks on July 3, 2012. There were many activities leading up to that day. It was a boom to the businesses and a morale booster to the residents. People from the surrounding communities converged on the Amboy’s and it felt like old times.

Unfortunately, Superstorm Sandy took a toll and there will be no fireworks this year for the Amboy’s.

Fireworks and picnics are often associated with an Independence Day Celebration. Although the Amboy’s will not have a repeat of the 2012 celebration, remember what Independence Day is truly all about.

The holiday is to commemorate our separation from Britain. For those who still believe that there is not liberty and justice for all in America- I have one question to ask: “Why do so many people still risk their lives to come here?

Carolyn Maxwell