"Land of the Free and Home of the Brave" refers primarily to the people who came here fleeing religious, political, and economic persecution from places like Ireland, England, Poland, Russia, Sweden and Italy, (or in my family's case the Highland Clearances) who were brave enough to leave their homes and families and finally realized the meaning of freedom and opportunity in this country. It is also a tribute to the concept of democracy and political equality unknown in the world at the time of this country's establishment, but one which quickly took hold throughout Europe. It is not a statement of perfection, or even the aspiration to perfection. It is not an excuse for our wrongs. And it is sure as hell no reason for an apology.