Sunday, July 4, 2010

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

For Love of Country - Grand or Humble
Six years ago we took our first trip to the east coast.  We had an amazing 2 1/2 weeks and saw so many wonderful historic sites and sights.  One place that was truly impressive was our tour of Gettysburg.  There was a reverence and awe in this sacred place.  We viewed hundreds of impressive statues and huge monuments honoring the brave men who fought for what they believed in as we walked on the very fields where they battled and died.  We read the plaques and learned of the sacrifices they made.   We toured Boston and were even more moved as we  remembered all the extraordinary and famous men and women we've read about in history books, who sacrificed their all to give us freedom.  Again we walked where they walked and saw many beautiful statues and monuments with plaques memorializing their brave contributions.

Then, on the outskirts of an area where so much of these early events took place, we ran upon this small, unmarked cemetery.  Most of the markers were of this same era.  No big statues or plaques, but one simple American flag beside a grave.  Somehow this struck me as even more poignant.  I thought about the thousands or hundreds of thousands of brave and patriotic men and women there have been throughout American history who have also sacrificed their all and who have also loved this country as much.   And for the most part, their stories are untold, and these are the backbone of this great nation.

I quote the chorus from one of my all time favorite patriotic songs by Lee Greenwood that never fails to bring tears to my eyes:  "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 gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.   For there ain't no doubt, I love this land, GOD BLESS THE USA!"

Happy 4th of July!

17 comments:

Photography by Esther said...

what a wonderful picture & beautiful tribute to the USA ! Blessings, Esther

Teté M. Jorge said...

Fantástico! Retratando a importância de cada um...

Beijos.

Dawning Inspiration said...

Great picture and I LOVE your quote. Happy Independence day!

Don said...

Happy 4th to you too, Karen!

S. Etole said...

That's a very striking photo and a good reminder of the sacrifice that has been paid.

Stephani Cochran said...

This photo definitely tells a story! Thanks for sharing it and Happy Independence Day!

Scott Law said...

Thanks so much for this beautiful post. How appropriate. Indeed - God bless the U.S.A.

Rick said...

I agree that this photo probably tells the story even better than the famous statues. Congratulations on your Independence Day!

Dagmar said...

Hi Karen, thank you so much for your comments on my blog.
I've just read this one of yours and it reminds me that I do this often. We have lots and lots of WW II cemetery over were I live. Even lot's of boms are still found in the area were I life. So it's still in the back of our minds weekly that the brave youngsters came to set our country free.

I hope you had a wonderful fourth of july. And this picture is just amazing.
Thanks for remembering me.
Dagmar

Lisa said...

Great picture and thought

MadSnapper said...

this is a truly incredible photo. it speaks all alone and says exactly what the song said without sayig a word. beautiful post, thanks for sharing that photo.

MyMaracas said...

What a perfect post for the Fourth of July. All your photos are just wonderful.

myonlyphoto said...

Karen priceless photo. This is what I like, when you spot something that does not stand out, but it does! Happy 4th! Anna :)

Unknown said...

Karen, wonderful image. I had a similar spiritual experience at the Little Big Horn a couple of years ago. I could feel them all around me!

diane b said...

Such a sensitive shot and story.

Sarah said...

Very touching. Thanks.

Saratoga Six said...

That is beautiful. What an amazing place to be. Thank you.