Country music star Chris Janson believes that respecting the American flag is the most crucial lesson he wants to instill in his children, emphasizing pride in their country and honesty.
"I want my kids to respect the flag and honor our country and be proud of where you come from and be honest and be respectful," Janson told Fox News Digital in anticipation of America's 250th anniversary.
Janson recently recorded a new version of "America the Beautiful" with Steven Curtis Chapman, which debuted at the Grand Ole Opry. He views the song as a vehicle for truth, stating, "Truth --- even in song --- the truth always wins."
The 40-year-old singer expressed his deep affection for the United States, highlighting the unparalleled freedom it offers. "Number one is you respect your flag," he reiterated.
Janson recalled a formative experience from his childhood when his fourth-grade teacher, a veteran, reprimanded him for letting the flag touch the ground while he was taking it down. This incident, he explained, didn't fully resonate until he was an adult and grasped the true meaning of freedom.
Having come from a humble background, Janson often reminds his children of their blessings. "Yeah, we got it pretty good, but don't forget it's a big deal to get to go out to dinner. You get to do that. It's a big deal. To walk to the fridge and have whatever you want at the snap of a finger, it's, a big. It's a blessing," he said.
He added that this freedom is a privilege provided by service members and should not be taken for granted. "And it's something not to be taken for granted. But we are in a free country and we do have the honor and the privilege provided by our great servicemen and women to have a luxury of freedom, to have luxury to live the American dream and man, that's really important."
Steven Curtis Chapman echoed Janson's sentiments, noting that his travels abroad have underscored the value of being an American. "You encounter that in places and suddenly your eyes are open to just what an amazing gift it is that we have" in the United States, Chapman stated.
Chapman also mentioned his grandfather, a World War II veteran, and how his service fostered a deep love for America and its freedoms. "It is an incredible gift. And with any gift that we have, it's something to be stewarded. It's something never to lose the gratitude for, even with the brokenness and even with, you know, the things that we don't have easy answers for," he reflected.
Chapman emphasized the importance of gratitude and the freedom to express beliefs. "Gosh, to just be grateful, gratitude just makes such a difference in my own heart, personally," he said, recognizing "what a gift we have, the gift of freedom" to speak about what is important.
