The performance July 4th at the National Mall in Washington was refreshing, seeing the crowd and performers honoring the U.S. flag, veterans and America’s independence over 240 years ago.

Thankfully, the Founding Fathers know all people are born free, endowed by their creator with unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and the American flag is the ultimate symbol of that freedom, representing the sacrifices our military has given over the ages defending it.

Too bad there are groups wanting to destroy that freedom and heritage freely given to citizens by launching successful campaigns banning the U.S. flag from schools, homes and businesses, stating the flag is offensive and must be removed from public square.

Over 1,000 individuals at the University of California signed a petition attacking the American flag, stating it contributes to racism, xenophobia, intimidation and can be interpreted as hate speech.

An Iraq War veteran was ordered to remove a flag from his apartment porch so it wouldn’t offend anybody who didn’t believe and could represent a threat to the Muslim community.

They are using political correctness to destroy America’s history and heritage that should be upheld, not eliminated. It’s a travesty removing Southern statues of Civil War heroes who fought for what they believed in and tearing the Ten Commandments out of public places. If God’s laws were adhered to, this country would be better off, same as respect for Nativity displays.

Christianity is at a tipping point when military Chaplains are ostracized for mentioning God or Jesus outside of church. Military members need uplifting words, especially when the world is unstable.

All of these are deplorable actions and proves how easily individuals’ freedoms can be taken away.