If you turn on the TV and listen for an hour, you might conclude that America has lost its freedom. With strong political views on both sides of the fence, it’s difficult to know who’s right.
That’s why I try always to do two things:
1) Other than exercising my right to vote, I stay away from the political arena as much as possible.
2) I listen very intently to hear the heartbeat of America.
I grew up in the south. We always sang patriotic songs. American the Beautiful, God Bless America and the Star Spangled Banner could always be heard on special occasions.
Today, after having spent years on foreign soil, I understand how important those words are. Just to be able to stand in the shower and belt out the verses is a direct result of the freedom so many Americans take for granted. I’m also free to write. So are you. If you’ve been to a country that censors words, you’ll appreciate that freedom all the more.
Truth is, I’m proud to be an American. My heart beats red, white and blue and I would die to protect our nation from those who would try to steal it.
When I look at Old Glory, the emotion runs deep. Regardless of where I am, if I hear the National Anthem on the television, I stop or stand at attention and proudly place my hand over my heart.
All that is dear to our lives today is a result of men and women who fought and died that we may have it. They sacrificed all they held dear, put on a uniform and took up arms against enemies, both foreign and domestic.
This weekend is the Memorial Day national holiday in America. We’ll spend time with family and friends, fire up the grill and eat a spread that is five times bigger than it needs to be.
We’ll play baseball in the park, eat ice cream from a cone and when it gets dark, fireworks will light up the night sky. Many won’t even think about their freedom. They will be too busy living in it.
Would our forefathers have it any other way?
Today, I pause and pay tribute to men and women who fought for my freedom. I look to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and our former leaders who dreamed of freedom and had the courage to pursue it.
I am grateful for the men and women who went halfway around the world after 9/11 to show enemies that American freedom is worth fighting for. I pray for the families of those heroes who returned only after the breath of life was taken from them. I will pause and thank God I live in a country that, despite it’s problems, is a free country. I am free to write whatever words I choose without men with guns looking over my shoulder or ceasing my laptop computer. That freedom is ensured by men and women in uniform who bravely and boldly stand the line and fight.
Freedom…
Because of you, I live in peace.
This weekend, whatever your plans, take a moment to consider that you are free. Ponder that for a while and let that truth bubble up inside you. Let freedom ring in your life, in your activities and your heart today.
God bless America on this special weekend… and always!
How do you feel about your freedom? Share it here!
No comments yet.