Happy 4th of July!

To all of you in the US, happy 4th of July!

I hope you have a wonderful day and take the time to reflect on the meaning of this holiday. Please take a moment to realize how lucky we are to have the rights and privileges that we do. We may not be a perfect country, but it could be MUCH worse. And most importantly, please give thanks to those past and present who have fought to ensure that we have freedom. Regardless of your views on this war, or the ones past, there are many brave soldiers that are fighting and have fought so that we don't have to. It takes a strong person to have that courage.

As a child I remember singing "Proud to be an American" in school. Now when I think back, the lyrics are so special. Have you ever really payed attention to them? The song was all over radio stations playing as a tribute to those lost on 9-11 and evokes many emotions. Here is the song, written by Lee Green Wood.

If tomorrow all the things were gone

I'd worked for all my life

and I had to start again

With just my children and my wife

I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today

Cause the flag still stands for freedom

And they can't take that away.

Chorus: And I'm proud to be an American

Where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up next to you

And defend her still today.

Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land.

God bless the U. S. A.

From the lakes of Minnesota

To the hills of Tennessee

Across the plains of Texas

From sea to shinning sea

From Detroit down to Houston

From New York to L. A.

There's a pride in every American heart

And it's time we stand and say

Chorus: And I'm proud to be an American

Where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up next to you

And defend her still today.

Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land.

God bless the U. S. A.

Chorus: And I'm proud to be an American

Where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up next to you

And defend her still today.

Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land.

God bless the U. S. A.

Here's a little USA tidbit about another song that's so near and dear to our hearts: “The Star-Spangled Banner” did not become the National Anthem until 1931.

Independence Day passes party lines--so relax, have a cool beverage, watch some fireworks, and enjoy the red, white, and blue!



Photo courtesy of: MSN