Freedom

About twenty two years ago I had the opportunity to discover how great America is. I learned this valuable lesson by going to another amazing country. I spent a semester in Israel and it was there that I learned about freedom. I learned what it means to be free to dress how you want, to be free to walk where you want, to be free to express yourself in word and action, to be free to hold hands with someone you care about. I learned what it means to be free to practice the religion that you know to be true. I learned how freedom feels. I learned what freedom is.

When I came home to America it was a feeling of pride and joy and wistful reunion with a country I never knew meant so much to me. A song was playing on the radio as we flew into New York that day, it was the first time I’d heard it, and I’ll never forget it.

“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 U.S.A.”

Chorus from “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood

I love this country. I can not say the pledge of allegiance without getting teary-eyed. At every one of my son's Boy Scout pack meetings I get a bit emotional when they do the flag ceremony. It is a spiritual gift to me, a reminder of the priviledge, honor, and responsiblity it is to be an American. I display the American Flag in my home, unfurled to be seen and appreciated, to remind me of the price that has been paid for the freedoms we enjoy.

Happy Fourth of July!