Every Fourth of July, I listen to the song "Proud to be an American" by Lee Greenwood. If you're familiar with the song, you know that during the chorus he sings, "And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me," and this to me is truly what the Fourth is all about — being proud of our country and remembering all the men and women who fought to give us the right of freedom.
I am proud to be an American because I grew up in a military household. I learned respect for our country and our flag growing up on military bases. Seeing men and women in uniform everyday and watching them stop their cars and solute the flag every day at 5 p.m. when it was brought down from the pole is chilling. I have so much respect and love for our military and I feel like they hardly get the recognition they deserve. As a fellow American, I see that our nation has a lack of respect for the ones that have fought for our freedom. The people protest and complain and when they do they say it's their First Amendment right, but do they not understand they wouldn't have this right if it weren't for the men and women over in the Middle East and all over the world fighting for our freedom?
I want people to understand that nothing in life is free. You have a right because someone fought to keep that right alive. So when you cook your burgers and eat your watermelon and drink your beer, please say a little thanks for the people that are fighting to keep your celebrations alive. When you watch your fireworks at night, please think of the men and women who can't watch them because their PTSD is crippling from the explosions and gun shots they had to witness when fighting for our freedom. Please, America, respect our men and women that served, because they know that freedom isn't free.
The next line in the song is, "And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today." This is me standing up for our service men and women, defending our rights, because that's what they do. Thank you Dad, uncle Jim, uncle Don, uncle George, Grandpa and all of my friends who are serving now. I am truly thankful for you and your service.
So this Fourth of July, I hope your celebrations are great. I hope your barbecues are wonderful and the fireworks are fabulous. I hope you gather with your friends and family and enjoy the time you all have together because some can't be here whether they were lost in the battle or are away fighting for us. Please take a little time out of your day to say a little prayer for those lost, those fighting, those who have fought, and the families of those people.
Happy Fourth of July!
"Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the U.S.A."
