God Bless the U.S.A.

Tonight, while I was watching fireworks, the song "God Bless the U.S.A." started playing. I had heard the song numerous times before, but tonight, for the first time, I really listened to the lyrics.

If tomorrow all the things were gone
I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again
with just my children and my wife,
I'd thank my lucky stars
to be living here today,
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
and they can't take that away.

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 I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota
to the hills of Tennessee,
Across the plains of Texas
from sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston
and New York to L.A.,
There's pride in every American heart
and it's time we stand and say:

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 I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

Read those words. They bring tears to my eyes. As the last verse and chorus say, "It's time we stand and say: I'm proud to be an American." I don't hear that phrase often enough anymore. I will unabashadely tell you that I don't agree with President Obama's decisions or beliefs, nor do I like what he's doing. But the president is not the country; he's only a man. Just because we don't agree with what he's doing doesn't mean we can't still be proud to be an American!

Like they say in the song, "And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right [freedom] to me." I will never forget those who have sacrificed their lives and are currently risking their lives so that I could remain free.

To all of you who have served or who are serving in some branch of the military, thank you. To all of my readers, next time you hear the song: "God Bless the U.S.A." or any other patriotic song, I challenge you to stop and listen to the words. Think about what they're really saying. If you do so, and you have even an ounce of patriotism in you, it will no doubt make you think about and appreciate the freedom that we have and, the men and women who have fought to give us that freedom, and possibly even bring tears to your eyes, as it did to mine.

God Bless America! Happy 4th of July!