Long May It Wave

Headed north to spend the Fourth of July with my middle son, his girlfriend, and her family in PA, a state rich in history symbolizing our nation's freedom and independence.

I reflect on this day in history and what it means to me personally, allowing my mind to travel to moments that have stirred emotions of pride, mixed with heartache and gratitude...

• My first visit to the Unknown Soldier's Tomb as a young girl...
• Witnessing the endless swell of tombstones in the Arlington National Cemetery...
• Hearing Lee Greenwood sing God Bless the USA for the very first time...
• Listening to the symphony play the Star Spangled Banner during the display of fireworks...
• Watching documentaries of soldiers returning home to their families...
• Witnessing the bloodshed and heartache while watching war movies...
• Raising and lowering the American Flag on my elementary school flag pole for the very first time
• Learning how to dismount and then neatly fold into a tightly wrapped gem our American flag from the school flag pole
• Standing in attention to the singing of Star Spangled Banner at athletic events (every.single.time) as chills go up and down my spine...
• Hearing and watching the explosion of fireworks on the Fourth of July
• Marching in a neighborhood parade with my children, waving flags and singing God Bless America, their bikes and scooters decorated in the Red, White and Blue...

My list could go on and on.  So many proud memories where time seemed to stand still, my heart swelling in allegiance to the many sacrifices and displays of our country's freedom.

Rise up, America, and give thanks for this nation, for our freedom.

Raise Old Glory today, America...wave it high and proudly and long...

Indeed....

Long may it wave

'Tis the star-spangled banner!
Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free
and the home of the brave!