August 14 was celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. Green crescent flags were hoisted on the streets, markets and schools. The children were wearing green and white clothes, holding flags in their hands and shouting slogans happily. Milli songs were echoing everywhere and people were expressing their love for their homeland.
Ali also participated in his school's grand function. He vowed that he would grow up to be a responsible citizen.
The next day when Ali was returning from school, he saw the road. Flags and pieces of paper were scattered everywhere. Many flags had fallen into drains. Seeing this scene, Ali's heart was filled.
He kept the bag aside and started picking up the flags from the road. Seeing this scene, a passer-by stopped and asked in surprise:
"Son! How can you alone change this system of social negligence?"
Ali raised a flag and said:
"Uncle! I alone cannot change this system, but I can definitely fulfill my responsibility as a Pakistani citizen. If everyone fulfills their responsibility honestly, our country will automatically go on the path of development and prosperity."
Hearing this from Ali, the man was very impressed. Then he also started helping Ali in raising the flags. Soon people passing by also joined in this work.
When all the flags were lifted from the road, Ali explained to all the people the true meaning of freedom and said:
"Freedom teaches us to respect our country, protect it and play our part as a responsible citizen."
After listening to Ali's words, all the people pledged that they will always take care of the national flag and the honor of their country because the true value of freedom lies in responsibility, sacrifice and true love for the country.