I think it's fair to say that I've always been proud to be an American. As an elementary school student we used to say the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. My daddy taught me that you cover your heart and stand up when the flag passes by.
My daddy was a soldier in WWII.
My brother, Stuart, served in Vietnam. In high school I used to wear his BDU shirt because I thought it was cool that our last name was above the pocket.
Then I married a soldier. And being a proud American took on a whole new meaning.
My soldier husband served in Dessert Storm. I learned first-hand what it was to "make a sacrifice" for your country. Fortunately, my soldier came home safely.
In 1996 he left active duty and signed up with the National Guard.
Then 9-11 happened. My soldier got orders for active duty and was sent to Germany. Now our children learned what it meant to be a proud American. They learned about sacrifices. That's hard at any age but especially when you're 8 and 5. Not an easy thing. For any of us.
Tomorrow many of us will be attending parades, watching fireworks and hearing patriotic songs. Please take a moment to be thankful for your freedoms. Your blessings. They are abundant in the USA. Take a moment to thank a soldier, a veteran and their families for their service and sacrifice.
Wishing you all a safe and happy 4th! God Bless the USA.
1 comment:
What a beautiful and touching post Nancy! Thank you so much for writing it. It really touched me, and it is such a good reminder to all of us!
I will absolutely be taking your advice tomorrow and thanking whomever I come across that has served our country in any capacity.
I hope you all have a wonderful 4th!
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