Tomorrow is the 4th, our Independence Day. We will be having so much fun getting together with friends and families for picnics and fireworks. As I have said on other holidays please take a moment to remember and remind or teach your children what this day stands for. Remember the prices that were paid by soldiers and civilians alike to gain our independence which we so often take for granted.
Remember the leaders who fought bravely beside their men. Who spoke bold, strong words to encourage them not worrying if what they said would be politically correct. Who didn’t straddle the fence with their words and actions so they would look good to others but bravely stood for what was right.
I am so shocked at times how little so many adults and children alike know about our American history. I think of what led up to that first Independence Day and how soldiers fought in bitter cold winters at times with no shoes, coats or even a blanket to wrap in at night. Of how they had little and at times no rations and often had to go find food for themselves. They were told they were fighting a losing war but with faith and courage kept fighting anyway even with the odds against them so that not only their future heirs but people from other countries could have freedom.
I at times am ashamed for the past couple of generations who take all of this for granted. What has happened to that strong heritage where when things happen we bravely go on not whining or having a pity party? We whine about every little thing that goes wrong in our life and moan and groan because we can’t go on vacation this year because money is tight or my child can’t play football because we are having to live on one income. I can’t afford a brand new car, bigger house, or big screen TV
What would you have done in that war for independence? Fight bravely or give up at the first little bit of resistance and make excuses why you couldn’t fight?
I am so grateful and proud to be an American. Some of you have heard me say this before so bare with me. My grandfather came here from Greece as a young man. The greatest day of his life was when he received his American citizenship. He worked very hard for it. He learned English, studied American history and government and knew more about it then most Americans who were born here. He even had his last name changed so it sounded more American.
To be an American was an honor and a privilege. It was a responsibility too. My grandfather was very strong in working in his community so much so that the day of his funeral they closed all of the stores and schools in town so everyone could go to it.
I compare that to so many people coming to America now who refuse to do none of the above, who insist on flying the flag of the country they have come from, not learning English but wanting all the privileges that come with being an American citizen and none of the responsibilities.
It would be the same as being on a losing team in the NFL and begging a winning team (and one that makes more money) to take them on. They finally do. On the day of the first big game the team comes running out on to the field. There stands the new player in his old team’s jersey, he hasn’t learned any of the new team’s plays, and keeps running touchdowns for the other team. What would the fans and other players think of a player doing that? He would be booed off of the field and probably bodily removed.
I’m not saying we should toss people out or even boo them but that Americans and new immigrants to please start being proud to be an American. Not in a self righteous way but in a grateful and resposible way.
I heard a song this morning at the grocery store. I was thinking how blessed I was to be able to live where I can wander around an air conditioned store full of huge amounts of good food to pick and choose from when this song came started playing. I think it says it all;
This is my country land of my birth.
This is my country grandest on earth.
I pledge thee my allegiance,
America the bold.
For this is my country to have and to hold.
Jill



