Proud to be an American, Post #36

Have you noticed it also? The stores are packed with various sizes of American flags and patriotic bunting. The metal trailers for selling fireworks are cropping up throughout the city. Even the clothing stores are featuring larger quantities of patriotic attire. It’s coming soon… The Fourth of July, our nation’s 238th birthday.

Or could this resurgence of patriotism be because of the US Soccer Team’s success in the World Cup…

…or because of the recent 70th anniversary of World War II’s D-Day, the world-changing storming of Normandy on June 6th, 1944?  Whatever the reasons are for the patriotism and more flag waving in our yards and businesses, it’s inspiring and refreshing.

If you are like me, I couldn’t stop watching the television interviews recently of the World War II veterans as they tearfully recalled the moments of that June 6th, 1944 day in Normandy, a day that will live in infamy. For so many of them, they confessed that the television interview was the first time they had talked about their 70-year-old experience.  A few of their wives said their husbands had never even shared with them the events of that day–D-Day. The poignant, tragic memories had been bottled up inside them all these years.

Tears streamed down my face as I watched 88-to-90-year-old men sob like babies recalling what they had endured as they left those boats, waded in the bloody waters and onto the shores of Normandy to fight the Germans. Their bravery, heroism, integrity lives on. No wonder those men and women of the 1940s are appropriately referred to as “The Greatest Generation.”

We are blessed with valiant heroes today, fighting a different war 70 years later. Each time I see a serviceman or woman in uniform, no matter where I am, if I am able to make eye contact, I say, “Thank you so much for serving our country.” To me, our encouragement is the least we can do for their valiant service of defending our country. Freedom is not free.

An American flag waves proudly on the front of my house everyday, not just this season.  We live in the greatest country in the world and are blessed with abundance and freedoms most countries envy.  How ever you may vote politically and how ever you may feel about war, we are all united as American citizens. We serve and play on the same team–Team USA.

Unfurl your American flag and wave it high. Let us show the world we are proud to be Americans.

In eighth grade, our Social Studies teacher had us memorize a portion of the Declaration of Independence Preamble. It still is recalled easily, as it is seered on my heart:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Amen.

Reflect:

–Would you consider yourself to be patriotic? Please comment.

–Who are some American heroes in your life? How will you show your appreciation for them? Please comment.

Renew:

–” ‘…no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will not refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,’ declares the Lord.” –Isaiah 54:17 NIV 84

–“Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.” –Romans 9:5 NIV84

–“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs–he wants to please his commanding officer.” –2 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV84

Recharge:

–What do you or will you do this week to demonstrate your patriotism?

Resource:

–Enjoy the US Naval Academy singing “America the Beautiful.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JKCom39yKQ