A Mother’s Tear

Memorial Day means different things to different people. Lots of people attribute this long weekend with the beginning of summer. For some it’s a day off work, a day to sleep in, a day to cook outside. It’s a time for camping, boating, backpacking, backyard BBQ’s and more. Some people think of it as the last days of the school year. Some people look forward to super savings with Memorial Day sales at department stores. And that’s all good. But let us NEVER forget the true importance of this holiday – that we honor the men and women of our armed forces whose sacrifices allow us to live in a (still) free country.

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It’s Not Just A Day Off

I believe I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating, I am very patriotic. I love patriotic songs. The patriotic holidays are some of my favorites. I have the utmost respect for our country, our flag, and the incredible people willing to sacrifice their lives to protect the freedoms of everyone living in this country. And I don’t mean just the Americans either. I mean EVERYONE living in his country.

I believe patriotism is in my blood. Why? Well, because “Patriotism or national pride is the feeling of love, devotion and sense of attachment to a homeland.”(en.widipedia.org) That’s how I feel. Despite the flaws, I love this country. I feel a sense of devotion to the homeland that I have grown very attached to. I consider myself lucky to be living in this great nation.

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Patriotism Swells In the Heart of the American Girl

I love 4^th of July. I love patriotic songs. I love red, white and blue. I love America.

Oh sure, there’s things about America that irritate me, things that should be changed, things that need to be improved, but overall, it’s not a bad place to call home.

Photo courtesy Google Images

It saddens me though that we can no longer recite the Pledge of Allegiance in our public schools. It makes no sense to me that this practice has been forbidden in most classrooms (at least here where I live in California). This is America, the country that protects us and affords us freedoms too numerous to mention. Why in God’s name can’t we show our support of this great nation by pledging our allegiance to it? If people have a problem doing that, then perhaps they should go elsewhere.

The theory behind this ridiculousness is that “we” don’t want to offend anyone. Well, how are we offending people by asking them to show respect for what we’re offering? If someone intentionally comes here to take advantage of the wonderful and bountiful blessings we have to offer (like education), shouldn’t they in turn honor us for our generosity? If you choose to come here, we’ll not turn you away, but be prepared to support our practices and customs. If you want to partake of the bounty, at least show some appreciation to the providers.  Sheesh. That’s just common courtesy people. Personally, I am offended that people from other countries come here and take offense that we don’t change for them. If you want to live where everybody is like you, stay where you’re at. Diversity and tolerance is what makes America so great.

And don’t even get me started on the use of the words, “under God.” I don’t care what anybody says, everybody believes in some sort of higher being, a deity, a spiritual presence. Just don’t go there.

I know there are boat-rockers and people who only want to take and never give, but if you leave a country because you can no longer stand the way you are being treated, instead of criticizing US, you should thank us profusely for giving you the things you’ve obviously been lacking. Didn’t you come here for a better life? If it’s not better – just the way it is – then either go back where you came from or move on. Don’t expect us to change for you. People – lots of people – have died so you can enjoy what we’re offering. Deal with it, appreciate it, or get the hell out.

Anyway, that’s how I feel. I’m not being prejudiced and I’m not picking on anyone. I don’t care what religion you want to practice, what color your skin is, what sexual orientation you are. In fact I understand those are probably some of the reasons you came here in the first place. But don’t get all huffy because we expect you to show a little respect for the right to have an opinion. It’s simple really – if you come to my house naked and hungry, I will feed you and clothe you, but don’t complain about the meal or the outfit. If you don’t want what I’m offering, don’t come asking. You can go to the house next door and maybe, if you’re lucky, they won’t beat you.

I’ll climb down off of my soapbox now. Lecture over. I just felt like I had to get that off my chest. That is my right after all, right? Free speech? Freedom of the press? The right to have an opinion and to express it any way I desire? Oh no wait, not anymore, I might hurt someone’s feelings. Too. Damn. Bad. This is America – toughen up those dainty feelings and deal with it.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!! I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday and that you will take a moment to honor and respect this great country and remember those who have sacrificed so much to keep us great.

I leave you with this:

What do you think? Do you agree with Red? Did his rendition give you chills? Don’t be shy, speak up. Let your voice for liberty to heard.

Word of the Day: Speiss

Fun Fact about me: Sarcasm? Just another service I offer. (And at no charge I might add.)

Original post by Jansen Schmidt, June 2014. Photos courtesy Google Images. Video courtesy YouTube.

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