Celebrating the United States of America!!!

By diannbayes on July 5, 2014 • ( 5 )

I’m coming up on my 50th birthday and my country just celebrated its 238th this week. Over my time on this Earth, I’ve always been taught America is the greatest country in the world. I’d never really thought about it much. I just believed it. As a Native Texan, my pride swells for my state. I fly my Texas flag proudly AND I fly my American flag proudly, as well.

Recently, I’ve seen news reports and speakers talk about American pride and state we should scale it back as it makes those from other countries uncomfortable. Admittedly, I’ve visited very few countries in the world. There are many I want to see and I’ve always liked to think they have the same pride for their countries. I would hope that pride could be displayed, unapologetically. However, in many cases, those citizens do not have the same freedoms we are granted here, which saddens me.

I love the United States of America and I have no desire to live anywhere else. It’s in my blood and has been since the 1600’s when my ancestors came to the New World.

For those readers not from the U.S., I wish for you the same pride, love and dedication. I would not expect you to tone down your pride should I ever visit your country nor would I think you would expect me to tone down my pride should you choose to visit my country.

With that said, I celebrated my nation’s independence yesterday and today I reflect once again on the wonderful song by Irving Berlin, written almost 100 years ago. For me, it still applies and I trust that will not change for me in my lifetime. God Bless America!

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free,Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.