A little redneck insight as we approach Veterans Day, as well as my own reflections on what it means to live in America

As we approach Veterans Day (Friday), even this pacifist is grateful for those who serve in uniform and have sacrificed so much for so many. As I pause to give thanks I came across an e-mail that I felt was appropriate to post in honor of country and all that we stand for. The one thing that I fully embrace and constantly defend is our freedom to think differently than everyone else. We are America – we all don’t have to speak the same language – from the very beginning our forefathers and foremothers never did why should we insist on it now? We are America – we all don’t worship the same God – from the very beginning neither did our founders and those who followed them why should we insist on it now? We are America – we have never been concerned with only our country why should we change now? Are times tough? Yes. Have they been tough before? Yes. Have we gotten through bigger challenges than those we are facing now? Yes. How? By pulling together – all people, all religions, all nationalities, all languages, all political parties, all people … regardless … coming together, standing together, defending everybody’s right to be who they are … AND THINKING POSITIVELY about our future, working for the betterment of everyone … regardless!

We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God – recognizing the “God” means different things to different people.

You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, 'One nation, under God.'

You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.

You might be a redneck if: You still say ' Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival.'

You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.

You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.

You might be a redneck if: You treat our armed forces veterans with great respect, and always have.

You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag, nor intend to.

You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.

You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same.

You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.