14/06/2026
It breaks my heart to see little children stressed.
Worried about getting it right … trying to meet a standard they’re too young to comprehend.
I asked my 5-year-old granddaughter what songs she was singing in her upcoming pre-school graduation.
Her face showed the stress of someone not ready … and my heart sank.
“This Land is Your Land she said … then added sadly … and I don’t know the words.”
“I can help you, would you like that?” She lit up as though I was her “phone-a-friend” lifeline.
We found the lyrics on the internet, and practiced until she felt confident.
“Do you have other songs you need to practice?”
“Yes. The song about the flag.”
I racked my brain … “You’re A Grand Old Flag”? Yes! That’s it. Back to the internet. Only this time … we had the wrong song.
“That’s not it she said. It’s the one about the witch”.
I was stumped …
And then, I had the lightbulb moment …
“Is it the one with … and to the republic for which it stands?”
YES! She shrieked with relief.
“That’s the Pledge of Allegiance” I explained.
“You know that one?” She asked.
“Yes, I do.”
With a look of relief, she said “Nonnie, you’re the best” …
I hope her challenges are always that easy to conquer, and for as long as we are together, I can be her "phone-a-friend."
Happy Flag Day!