Happy 4th of July!

Independence Day!

Happy Birthday, America!

~

“I pledge allegiance

to the flag

of the United States

of America,

and to the Republic

for which it stands.

One nation under God,

indivisible,

with liberty and justice

for all.”

~

The Anthem

The Defense of Fort McHenry

by Francis Scott Key

20 September 1814

Oh, say can you see,

by the dawn's early light,

What so proudly we hailed

at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars,

through the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched,

were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare,

the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night

that our flag was still there.

O say, does that star-spangled banner

yet wave

O'er the land of the free

and the home
of the brave?

~

To hear these words

to sing them

Always bring tears to my eyes

Patriotic songs and words

can do that.

I love my country.

My appreciation has only grown

since, 9/11/2001.

I remember that day well

and will never forget.

So, i celebrate this 4th of July

once again

with a tear in my eye

and

a forever growing appreciation

in my heart.

I love America

and I have been blessed

to be an American.

Happy 4th of July, All!

~Opal~