Tag Archives: holiday
“Man, we lit up your world like the 4th of July…” ~Toby Keith
Today is my favorite day of the year – July 4th… A day where our pride as Americans is just tangible.

Alicia Benton Photography
I don’t know about you, but I’m one of those nerds who still has to hold back tears every time I hear the National Anthem, even though I’ve now heard it approximately 1,568 times.

Source: ESPN
Every time I see an old man, I get emotional. Not sad emotional, but proud emotional. As I watch them walk down the street or through the grocery store, I wonder about how they defended our Country for us. Which wars have they fought in? What do they think about how much our society has changed over the years? Are they proud of what they see around them now, or are they ashamed?

Source: DoDLive
I get choked up a little every time I see a soldier. I am so thankful for the men and women who fight for our freedoms… the very freedoms I take advantage of every day. While I’m at home complaining that we can’t go outside and swim because it’s raining again, these brave heroes are sleeping in a place that’s not their home – on something that can barely be called a bed – in a place that’s sweltering with no A/C – with no real food for months at a time – away from their spouses and children and parents. Who the heck am I to complain about anything?

Source: Prinze Charming
Every time I hear Toby, I stand up a little straighter. “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” reminds me every time I hear it that we, as Americans, can sleep at night without fear thanks to the heroes who have busted their asses for us since 9/11.

Source: Pop Dust
Each time I see fireworks, I stare in complete awe, thinking of the work our Founding Fathers put forth in paving the way for us as citizens of the best country on Earth.

Source: Progressive Libertarianism
At every baseball game I attend, I sit and close my eyes for a few seconds, taking in the sounds and smells around me. It truly is America’s pastime.

Alicia Benton Photography
Every time I see the New York skyline, I think about how we Americans destroyed all boundaries and prejudices, at least temporarily, in order to stand together, in unity, for our Country. It consistently reminds me that we are, in fact, the world’s greatest.

Source: America 911
Every time I go to vote, I say a silent prayer of thanks that I live in a Democratic society where I am free to choose what I think is best for our nation. While my opinion may not always be the winning opinion, at least I can have my say. It is our civic duty to go out and vote. If you don’t already, I urge you to in our next election. Use your voice that our soldiers are fighting to allow us to keep.
Every time I publish a new post on my blog, I’m grateful that I live in America – a place where I am free to speak my mind, even if others don’t like what I have to say.

Source: The Core Message
Each time I stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance, I stop to actually consider the words I’m saying. ONE NATION. UNDER GOD. You’re damn right…

Source: Mitt Romney Central
To sum all this up, I’m proud to be an American. I understand what some are giving up so that I can continue to be safe, free, and selfish. Freedom is most certainly not free.

Photo by QT Luong
Thank you. Thank you to all those who are fighting, and have fought, for my family, friends, and me. You are my real-life superheroes.

Source: Freedom Trail Run