Long May She Wave

I get a little introspective this time of year, being around Independence Day and all. I was once accused of being un-American and perhaps un-Patriotic because of my love for Germany and the German people after serving my mission there. I have to tell you that it stung a little (okay, a lot) but it has made me think about my feelings about being an American. I LOVE THIS COUNTRY. I am grateful for my freedom and for being governed in a democratic republic, even if we have crazy politicians who don't always handle things in the way I think they should be handled. (At least they have the freedom to mess up and we have the freedom to vote to change our leadership or not - there's something to be said for everyone have a choice, just ask anyone who survived a communist regime or dictatorship!) Did you know that I get misty eyed every time the flag goes by? (Yes, I was crying a little behind my sunglasses at the parade on Sunday.) Or that I cannot make it through singing the Star Spangled Banner without choking up? It's true! And why you might ask? Because I know for sure the God Blessed America. No other country in the world was established by such wonderful God-fearing men as ours. Seriously, can you even utter the phrase "God Bless America" and not feel a twinge inside? So, I love this country. I consider myself tremendously patriotic, not in a left wing or right wing or any other wing way. Just in a middle-of-the-road, middle America,from the peaks to the plains, from sea to shining sea, from the North to the South kind of way. Isn't that what makes America great?