Unapologetically a Patriot

“And the government for which she stands is scandalized throughout the land. And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin, but she's in good shape for the shape she's in. 'Cause she's been through the fire before and I believe she can take a whole lot more. So we raise her up every morning. We take her down every night. We don't let her touch the ground and we fold her up right. On second thought, I do like to brag ‘cause I'm mighty proud of that ragged old flag." Johnny Cash

I have spent the last month immersed in American History. I’ve watched every documentary I could find, relearning everything I was taught in history class but apparently soon forgot. Stories of the early days of our country when battles were fought and so many countless lives were lost. The struggle to pen the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights. The horrific wars, including those against each other. I learned details about the lives and leadership of Samuel Adams, George Washington, Henry Knox, Alexander Hamilton, and Abraham Lincoln. I learned about those who chose to accept a position or job or calling, knowing that they might lose their lives if they followed through. But they did it anyway. Some names we know; most we don’t.

I watched a fascinating history of all the presidents and their rise to the presidency. The battle to become the commander-in-chief, the decisions they made that helped or hurt the country. I learned about the various names of the parties over the decades to how we ended up today with Republicans and Democrats.

I watched and learned about the various attempts and completions of political assassinations. The persecution of groups and/or individuals who thought and believed differently, looked differently, spoke differently. I watched re-enactments of battles, debates, and strategic decisions that caused us great harm or great victory.

Over the last few days I have filled my home and car with patriotic music, shocked and giggled as I realized that I knew the words to every single song played. American the Beautiful, God Bless America, My Country Tis of Thee, This Land is your Land, Yankee Doodle, The Caissons go Rolling Along, You’re a Grand Old Flag, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, The Marines' Hymn, and last, but definitely not least, The Air Force Song.

Oh, and, of course, The Star Spangled Banner. Which brought tears to my eyes at Eva’s Miracle League’s baseball game last week. They played the song along with a video of a woman “singing” it in sign language. Incredibly moving!

I treated this month, July 4, the 250th anniversary of our country, as though it was Christmas, wishing everyone a, “Happy Independence Day” or “Happy 250 years!” I had my television on all day Saturday, when I was home, so I could watch and take in the celebrations that were happening around our country. 

And through all this, I have learned a few things:

1. It’s an absolute, hands-down, breath-taking miracle that we are the country we are today. How this rag-tag group of people, men that came from farms, small businesses, failing businesses, plantation owners, lawyers, etc. - men that had NEVER formed a country in their lives, but brought these independent states together to form a “more perfect union” …well, It's beyond me. They fought, they argued, they walked out, refused to show up, sometimes physically abused each other. And yet, a country unlike anything else in the world, was formed. And lived. And thrived. Has become a place that people are desperate to live in. That visitors walk around in a daze because of who we are. A land of colonists. A land of opportunity. A land of the free.

2. We are, today, no different than any other time in history. I get worried when I hear and see and experience the fighting amongst us. Sometimes the threat of death or the actual death of those on opposing sides. But as I looked at our history, well, it’s nothing new. We have fought and battled and slandered each other since the beginning. Well, actually since the beginning of time, specifically Cain and Abel. But we push through the fear and the hate and the disagreements to remain one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

3. My country deserves my respect. As I watched and read and listened to these and more stories, true stories of the sacrifices that were made for this country, how could I possibly demean it with words and actions. It would be so incredibly disrespectful to those who went before me, who sacrificed for me. Not to mention my dad, may his memory be a blessing. He gave his life for this country. Not in body, but his mind and heart were impacted from his service as a B17 pilot in WWII. But, if asked, he would have signed up again and gone back to war for our country. In a heart beat.

4. I love our country. I love America. I love the town in which I live. I love to vote. I love heated debates (observing only). I love that we are a conglomeration of people with different backgrounds, races, points of view, dialects and religions. There is nowhere else I would rather live. 

In the words of Lee Greenwood:

“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 I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land. God bless the USA.”

5. I am unapologetically a Patriot!