Flaming torches on either side, the slender staff of a crucifix at right, and the awe-struck gesture and skyward gaze of the priest in a diaphanous white surplice (an image of rapturous faith and a superlative display of painterly skill) draw our eyes upward.
We draw strength from our victories, and we learn from our mistakes, but we keep our eyes fixed on that distant horizon, knowing that Providence is with us, and that we are surely blessed to be citizens of the greatest nation on Earth.