THE FOURTH OF JULY

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, the 233rd birthday of our beloved United States of America. Will it be a special day for you? I hope so, because it is the day when we can truly remember, and appreciate, our many freedoms.
Over the years, although most citizens claim to be patriotic, patriotism is not as prevalent as it used to be. Yes, you still see those who salute our flag when the Star Spangles Banner is played and our flag displayed, but not like it was when I was growing up. Even as children we learned to salute our flag and even display it proudly, and correctly.
For the most part, the people of this Country are loyal patriotic Americans. They are proud of our Nation and everything it stands for. But with the pace of today’s living being so fast,
people just don’t take the time to say or do anything to express these feelings. This is a shame, because the rest of the world hears mainly the loudmouths and the reports of corruption, etc. They do not remember that we have our choice of religions, or vocations, or leisure activities, and that we can vote the way we believe. Yet, when they hear all this other negative stuff, what do they have to really compare with their way of life and ours? To some, it may seem like a choice between the “frying pan” and the “fire”. Still, there are many who yearn to come here to live. They know there is great opportunity for those willing to work and take a chance. They know that they can do what they want to do, live where they want to live, go where they want to go, speak when they want to speak, and enjoy all the freedoms that we Americans many times take for granted because they are as familiar to us as breathing.
Each war gave vent to patriotic songs. From “Yankee Doodle Dandy” in the Revolutionary War; to “Over There” and “My Buddy” in World War I; to “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition” and “America, I Love You” in World War II. And of course, one we still do sing today and that is “God Bless America”. During these first wars, Americans sang their way to freedom and peace. Since that time, there have been wars in Korea, in Vietnam, and in the Middle East, all unpopular, and with no songs really associated with any of them. Although there have been some new songs written over the years, such as “I’m Proud to be an American”, there has been no real emphasis that they applied to any of the later wars.
Most Americans like to sing, and now, when the entire world is in such turmoil, it might be a good time to start reviving some of the patriotic songs, Not only revive them, but sing them loud enough for all the world to hear. Remind them that we live in a free land and that, even with all its faults, America is neither the “frying pan”, nor the “fire”, but a well-seasoned pot roast.
I guess you can tell that I love patriotism and one of my fondest memories is the first time I ever stood retreat as a member of the US Women’s Air Force. In full dress uniform, the bugle sounding, and our beautiful flag slowly descending, I was never more proud that I was an American and was serving this great Nation. And, as my family can all verify, there is still nothing that compares with seeing Old Glory waving, especially all the large ones. And like most of you, hopefully all of you, I pray for God to continuing to bless America and all it stands for.