Be America Proud – Be America Strong
It’s the Fourth of July
Independence Day in the USA
I sit here humbled, in awe of those
Who have put their lives on the line, given their lives
So that we can know and live in freedom
I have come to believe that freedom is something
That should be the birthright of every human being,
Not just a chosen few.
I ask myself, “What would my life have been like
Without having been born into freedom?”
I cannot bear to think about it, yet for many
It is a reality that is renewed with every sunrise
What would it be like to have no food, no water?
I mean none, none today, none tomorrow
Would I have the will to survive, the strength to go on? Perhaps not
Knowing freedom and living here has made me weak in this way
I look outside and I see children happily playing in their yards
Their pets surrounding them and their little swimming pools filled
I don’t see any American Flags flying, except for my own
I sigh a heavy sigh…some people will just never understand
Freedom is not free and it is one breath, one lifetime
Away from becoming extinct at all times
If we don’t teach our children to defend it, to embrace it
Their children will grow up without ever knowing it
So go ahead and fire up that grill,
Play some baseball in the park
Write your name into the night with sparklers
Eat hotdogs and hamburgers, toss back a beer
Spend your day with family and friends, go to a parade
It is a day to celebrate our freedoms, America’s freedoms
A day to taste all the wonderful things freedom offers us
A day to feel honored by all that we have in this great Country
Enjoy today and imagine all of this going away
Imagine freedom not being here for your grandkids
Imagine never owning a home or even a car
Imagine no hopes, no dreams, no rights
Imagine no soldiers defending the dreams of their lost brothers
Imagine the American Soldier’s blood spilled around the world, for naught
And think about your flag, where do you keep it, do you have one?
If so, why is she not flying, if you don’t own one, why not?
This is my Country, this is our Country
Be America Proud – Be America Strong
We only have one chance at freedom
If we let it go, it will be lost to us forever
Sherry Gail Heim
July 4, 2006
Copyright © Sherry Gail Heim 2006
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THIS is patriotism at its very best. Standing ovation!!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Ron
EXCELLENT TOPIC OF MAX IMPORTANCE AND WELL PUT TOO !
BE BLESS WITH HOLY BLESSINGS
CRISO
Every time I hang that flag out, I'm reminded. I have a permanent one in the window.
A wonderful tribute and reminder.
Best wishes
United States of America is still a nation where Freedom and
Liberty are more than words. I grew up hearing that America
was a place where no one was allowed to burst into your home
and people of other nationalities and ethnicities were not only welcome, but desired. Free speech was sacrosanct, and freedom of {& from}religion. As we celebrate, we need to look at where we have been
and where we are likely to go if we allow our rights to be eroded,
irrespective of rationalization. Separation of church and state
and independence re the three branches of government appear to
be in jeopardy. . .sorry, I don't mean to rain on your parade.
Know you are concerned, or I wouldn't be going on this way. Should just have said t*h*a*n*k***y*o*u for the beautiful tribute and
outstanding fireworks. Peace and Love (& lots more pretty fireworks}, 'Pea <3
So sorry I was behind in catching up on all my readings!
Sandie May Angel a.k.a. Sandie Angel :o)
Love Tinka
Paul;-)
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :)
Love the picture! BEAUTIFUL! :)
The English flag I had waving so proud outside, I ripped down and trew it in the trash area. When we were booted out of the world cup.
Funny I laughed heaps yesterday, saw a great film about the civil war, with my fav comidan of all time: Buster Keaton, in the general.
He's my kind of yank..No Rebel. No Confed..HAHA One of them anyways..
Thanks for punctuating the day!
Taylor~
And so very true!!!
We have all this, not by chance........we worked for it........and it should be revered and appreciated.........
most of us cannot imagine it any other way...........
and that is a blessing I guess..........but not to be taken for granted
have a good one Sherry!
pax
Anita :)
Without having been born into freedom?”
I think that's truly a question we should all ask ourselves periodically, and realize how so many others in this world of ours do not have what we have. And I truly wonder if there ever will be a day when all mankind is truly free.
"Be America Proud – Be America Strong" sings under the sounds of the bells of Justice. A Paean to be sung everyday.
I have enjoyed this patriotic poetic grand.
Happy Fourth of July and Healthy Long Life, Poet.
In gratitude and reverent admiration,
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
You are a true patriot and I admire that..
And I believe every American should have a stars and stripes hanging
outside their house..
They did where I stayed in California..
I love that music and graphic..
Have a great Independence Day down in the glorious New Mexico !
Peter
all over outside the house here.
Great to be free..
Thanks for this inspiring write Sherry..
and for all of us who really care about this nation, and what it still truly stands for! You have written a keeper, and one that should make those who forget what we are celebrating sit up and take notice. Thank you my friend! Splendid work!
Love,
Eileen