America Is...
by Barbara Lynn Terry

Yesterday we celebrated our independence day
but America is more than just brats, beer, and fireworks
America is the people that help keep her free
bringing democracy and freedom to those who have none
America is the people that vote at the polls for our
elected representatives and pay the taxes that
keep our lawmakers, police, paramedics, firefighters
doctors, hospitals, nurses, lab technicians and more
working so that we can be healthy and free.

America is fifty states in unity together for a common goal
America is the products we export to bring in revenue
America is the hardworking man and woman
who keep our freedoms sacred and respect our flag
for which it stands, one nation under God, and maybe yesterday
was her birthday, and I know many more will come
but we all need to defend her in the eyes of others
and respect the rights dictated by our Constitution of the
Unites States of America and the laws that keep it sacred.

America is the laughter and gaeity of the children playing
of country and rock and roll music, of poetry and prose
of the great and not so great, of the families who stay together
either with one or both parents, America is the homeless
person who strives to survive day by day not caring if another
day comes.

America is the right to speak freely either in how we act, what we
wear, and/or in what we say. America is all of this and much, much more.
Remember that when you see the fireworks, and have that brat and
beer, that there are men and women fighting for our right to enjoy
these luxuries while they kill and be killed. America is...