By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller
Moral
of the Story
Freedom is one of the greatest gifts
we are blessed with. When we speak boldly with courage, we honor the truth
inside us. When we respect our country and its laws, we live as grateful
patriots. And when we recite the Pledge of Allegiance with reverence, we
remember the values of liberty and justice that unite us all. Liberty teaches
us that courage, patriotism, and honor are not just words; they are choices we
make every day to build a brighter future for ourselves, our families, and our
country.
High above the rolling fields of
America, an eagle soared with wings stretched wide. His name was Liberty,
and he was proud to be the national bird of a land filled with freedom and
promise. From his perch atop a tall mountain, Liberty could see small towns
buzzing with life, children playing in schoolyards, families gathering around
tables, and the proud flag waving in the breeze.
But Liberty noticed something, too.
In the hearts of many young animals he met, there were questions, questions
about courage, about loyalty, and about what it meant to love their country.
And Liberty knew it was his duty to help them understand.
Lesson
One: Speaking Boldly
One day, Liberty flew to a meadow
where young animals gathered for school. Among them was Leo the Lion Cub, who
often stayed quiet even when he had something important to say. The other
animals talked loudly, but Leo sat with his head down.
“Why are you silent, Leo?” Liberty
asked gently.
Leo sighed. “I’m afraid they’ll
laugh at me if I say the wrong thing.”
Liberty lowered his wings beside
him. “Leo, your voice matters. Courage isn’t about being the loudest. It’s
about speaking with conviction, even when others may disagree. When you hold
back your words out of fear, the truth in your heart is never heard.”
The cub looked up. “So if I believe
in something, I should say it?”
“Yes,” Liberty nodded. “Because
freedom of speech is a gift, one we must use with wisdom and respect. Your
words can inspire, guide, and uplift others. Never be afraid to share your
beliefs.”
That day, Leo stood tall and offered
his ideas in class. To his surprise, the others listened, and the meadow filled
with new respect for the little lion’s courage.
Lesson
Two: Patriotism
Later, Liberty flew to a village
where the animals were preparing for a celebration. Flags were being raised,
music played, and families gathered in the square. But some young ones tugged
on Liberty’s feathers, asking, “Why do we celebrate our country? What does it
mean to be a patriot?”
Liberty spread his mighty wings.
“Being a patriot means loving your country not just with words, but with
actions. It means respecting the laws that keep us safe, honoring those who
serve and protect, and taking pride in the blessings we share. Patriotism is
about unity, standing together as one people, even when we are different.”
A rabbit named Rosie hopped forward.
“Does that mean I have to be perfect to love my country?”
Liberty smiled. “No, Rosie. A true
patriot doesn’t pretend the country is perfect. Instead, they work to make it better with kindness, courage, and respect. Patriotism is not blind. It is a
love that grows stronger because we choose to care.”
The animals nodded, their chests
swelling with pride as they gazed at the flag waving over the square.
Lesson
Three: The Pledge of Allegiance
At last, Liberty gathered the young
animals around the flagpole. “Every day, many of you recite the Pledge of
Allegiance. But do you know what it means?”
The animals shook their heads.
Liberty began, his voice strong and
steady:
“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.”
He looked at the young ones. “Each
line is a promise. When you say ‘I pledge allegiance,’ you are saying, ‘I give
my loyalty and respect.’ The flag represents all of us, living together in
freedom and unity. The Republic means we each have a voice in how our country is led.
‘One Nation under God’ reminds us we are united and guided by faith.
‘Indivisible’ means no one can tear us apart if we stand together. And ‘with
liberty and justice for all’ promises that freedom and fairness belong to
everyone.”
The animals listened closely, their
eyes wide.
“So when you speak the Pledge,”
Liberty continued, “do not let it be just words. Let it be a promise you live
by, to speak with courage, to live as a patriot, and to honor freedom.”
The
Grand Lesson
As the sun set, Liberty rose into
the sky, his wings glowing golden in the light. He called down to the animals:
“Freedom is not free; it is a gift
and a responsibility. Speak boldly, love your country, and pledge yourself to
liberty and justice. When you do these things, you will not only honor your country, but you will honor yourselves, your families, and the God who gave us
freedom.”
The young animals stood taller that
night, their hearts filled with courage, pride, and gratitude. They knew that
they, too, could soar like Liberty, free and unafraid, guided by love for
their country and the light of truth.
Moral
of the Story Poem
Speak your truth, let courage show,
In freedom’s light, your voice may grow.
Love your country, stand up tall,
Work with pride to care for all.
Say the Pledge; its promise keeps.
A bond of freedom strong and deep.
With liberty we choose to be,
A people bold, united, and free.
Discussion
Questions
1.
What did Liberty teach Leo the Lion
Cub about speaking boldly?
2.
How can we show patriotism in our
everyday lives?
3.
What does the Pledge of Allegiance
mean to you when you say it?
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