Memorial Day. The unofficial start of summer. Barbecues are fired up, lawn furniture is dusted off, pools are opened, shorts are brought out of the attic and the air is saturated with the sense of freedom that summer brings. We may feel like summer is what brings us freedom, but in this great nation we are free all 365 days of the year, thanks to the brave men and women who risk their lives and sacrifice themselves everyday for our safety. So this Memorial Day, while you squirt ketchup on your hot dog, say a prayer for our military. Before you plop that scoop of vanilla ice cream on your apple pie, take a moment of silence for our fallen soldiers. And while you sit around laughing with your family and friends, remember the over one million servicemen and women that are not with their families this holiday. And be sure to do this all with this Star Spangled, World War winning, All- American playlist blasting as loud as freedom rings in the background.

1. "The Star Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key

The song that demands so much respect it’s unpatriotic to speak during its playing. Our national anthem is as American as it gets.

2. "God Bless America" by Irving Berlin

Now more than ever, we need God in this country.

3. "American Ride" by Toby Keith

With brutal honesty and his typical humor, Keith describes the many “issues” plaguing America today.

4. "Born in the USA" by Bruce Springsteen

Hear The Boss tell the heart-wrenching story that was the truth for too many soldiers returning home after Vietnam.

5. "America the Beautiful" by Katherine Lee Bates

Bet you only know the first verse, but the rest of this song is definitely worth a listen.

6. "American Saturday Night" by Brad Paisley

Brad describes the greatness of this nation of immigrants in this relatable, catchy, summertime tune.

7. "Chicken Fried" by Zac Brown Band

What could be more American than fried chicken, cold beer and blue jeans?

8. "This Land is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie

The beautiful descriptions of America will make you want to drop everything road trip to every single state.

9. "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" by Toby Keith

Toby’s at it again, but this time on a more serious note. He sings about the immense devotion to this country his father has instilled in him and his, and all of our, obligation to protect what so many have died before us to create.

10. "I’m Proud to Be an American" by Lee Greenwood

Make sure you have on waterproof mascara; this one is a tearjerker. It embodies the true meaning of the holiday perfectly.

11. "If You’re Reading This" by Tim McGraw

Keep the tears coming with this song written from the perspective of a fallen soldier. This moving tribute will make you take time this day to remember the meaning behind all the food and fun.

12. "American Soldier" By Toby Keith

Another song written from the viewpoint of a soldier, this song could make even the strictest pacifist think about enlisting.

13. "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus

Bring the mood up with this easy to sing along with American

party anthem.

14. "Drunk Americans" by Toby Keith

I think it's safe to call him the king of patriotic songs by now. Maybe we should listen to his claim that color, gender, etc, doesn't matter when we're all drunk Americans.

15. "Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Phillip Sousa

You can’t forget the country’s national march. Though you will probably hear it five times during the town parade, what’s one more listen going to hurt?

With these songs playing, it will be impossible not to swell with pride and go out and buy every piece of red, white, and blue clothing you can find. As you listen, think of the countless brave men and women that gave up their ability to listen and laugh and live, so that you are able to do so. God bless the families of the fallen, God bless our active servicemen and women and God bless the USA.