Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Glory, Glory Hallelujah: Let Freedom Ring

©2013 Susan Noyes Anderson

Our history is  glorious.
Why should we not stand proud?
And yet, today, so many feel
that pride is not allowed.

Can our missteps obscure the truth
that much of what we've done
has nurtured peace and freedom
in the lives of everyone?

If we have made mistakes (we have),
does that erase the good?
How many threats to freedom
have our valiant hearts withstood?

We are Americans, the
keepers of our legacy.
The way we view ourselves predicts
the nation we will be.

Our country runs imperfectly;
we're learning as we grow.
But let us not forget that greatness,
forged so long ago.

Our heritage ennobles us.
Allow it room to breathe!
Set free the roots of who we are;
drink deeply and believe...

In Give me liberty or death,
in Stars and Stripes Forever,
in melting pots and second shots
and dreaming BIG, together.

United, stand. Divided, fall
 in this land of the free...
not one in practice, nor in thought,
but one in liberty.

Embrace the tired, the poor, the masses...
raise that torch up high.
And when our country's colors burst
against the summer sky,

Remember to salute with pride
the things they signify.

The happiest of Independence Days to all you patriots out there!

Let's keep that love of country alive.


=)

It's become almost politically incorrect these days to voice pride in our country. 
I'm going against that tide here, because I don't like where it's leading us. 
Taking pride in our country used to be lauded as patriotism.
Now it's being reframed as "American exceptionalism," 
and we are made to feel guilty about it.
Pride doesn't have to be arrogance.
I'm proud of my children, as well,
but I don't think they're perfect.
(Though they are, indeed,
exceptional . . .) 

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28 comments:

Pondside said...

Your pride shines through - and Americans SHOULD be proud. I wish you a very Happy Fourth of July!

jen said...

Amen. And amen.

Stacy said...

After standing on battlefields last week, this gave me goosebumps!

Friko said...

Stand up and be proud and if your country does wrong, stand up and say so.

Although that’s probably harder because one man’s wrong is another man’s right.

Stand up, hold your head up high and be proud of who you are.

Happy 4th of July.

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

lovely post! have a great fourth!

My name is Riet said...

Happy 4th of July.

Brian Miller said...

the way we view ourselves predicts the nation we will be...how true is that...def let us not forget our roots...and grow from that...

happy 4th of july sue...i hope you have a wonderful holiday

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

Happy Fourth to you and what a wonderful, wonderful post! :)

Betty said...

I think too often people focus on the negative and there is so much positive in this country. I wouldn't want to live any place else! Have a wonderful July 4th!

Along These Lines ... said...

Wonderful post for this time of the year.

Anonymous said...

This is the perfect post for this week! Happy 4th of July to you!

SarahBeth said...

Here, here! Excellent post. Wave your flag proudly and have a wonderful patriotic Fourth!

Nancy said...

Happy Independence Day Sue!

fredamans said...

May the fourth be with you! Happy Independence day!!

yaya said...

I can never, ever sing the National Anthem without getting teary eyed...I put my hand over my heart (or salute when in Scout uniform!) when the flag passes...I don't care if I'm not PC...I love your poem and the pics with it! Happy 4th Sue!

EG CameraGirl said...

I think it's wonderful to feel proud of the country in which you live. I know I'm very proud of Canada so can understand how prod you feel. :)

Happy 4th of July!

Esther Joy said...

Great patriotic post for this July 4th!

Anonymous said...

What a magnificent post for the 4th of July holiday ~ Wonderful photography ~ Happy Weekend ^_^

Thanks for 'visiting'.

Gattina said...

That's always a very big event your 4th of July !

Unknown said...

Thinks patriotic pride is important. We are teaching it to our guy.

Leovi said...

Congratulations to you and to all the inhabitants of USA

karen said...

Beautifully said - what a wonderful message. I don't think we're perfect (who/what is?) but I am so proud of our country as a whole. We are a nation of spirited people who are also very kind and generous. It's important to let this day remind us of our heritage and history, and to be proud. We are Americans.

Splendid Little Stars said...

agreed! and well spoken!
wonderful post!

Granny Sue said...

Our country, right or wrong. We're just one big family. Great post, Sue.

LeAnn said...

A really awesome post. It is so sad that our country is changing so much; but it brings the 2nd coming closer.
Blessings for a beautifully written post about our promised land
Blessings!

Grandma Honey said...

Good for you going against the tide. I'm right there with you! You said this very well. Our heritage...we must remember our heritage.

Jenny said...

Mine eyes have seen the glory...

This was absolutely grand, Miss Sue!

Your glorious writing gleams from sea to shining sea!

A+++++++++++++++++++++++

Anonymous said...

This is so accurate. Our country does have a wonderful history. We as a country have made many mistakes and we can only hope that the future is better. Thank you for all of these pictures.


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