Happy Independence Day! The Don and I have just returned from our small town 4th of July Parade that featured a moving rendition of the first and last stanzas of "The Star Spangled Banner" sung in the park on what can only be described as a dazzling summer day.
The sun danced on Round Lake and everyone joined in singing America the Beautiful.
Holidays are good for reflection. It's really one of the few times when my attention isn't pulled in 1000 directions so there's space in my mind for thoughts other than "What's next?" I've been doing a lot of thinking about what I appreciate most here in the U.S.
Here are 10 things that make me so proud to be an American:
- Freedom of speech and to choose our individual lifestyles
- Our founding fathers and their foresight
- The many beautiful National Parks
- American ingenuity and fortitude
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Members of the American armed services
- Country music
- American cuisine (especially cherry pie and hamburgers)
- The national monuments in Washington, DC
- The ability to travel freely and to enjoy this country's great beauty
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1 comment:
Great article Vicki. I just wish more people would take the time to reflect on the blessings we have here in America.
I absolutely agree on two of yours:
- Our founding fathers and their foresight
- Members of the American armed services
A few others:
- Right along with freedom of speech is freedom of religion. Despite the mis-interpretation (IMO) today, their purpose was to keep government out of religion, not necessarily the opposite.
- capitalism
- all of the bill of rights (though they are frequently under attack)
- the ability still to go as far as you want in your chosen field (to "be a success") and to change direction freely and easily - which includes easy (though not necessarily inexpensive) access to education.
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