God Bless the USA

The United States Declaration of Independence was a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, announcing that the thirteen American colonies then at war with Great Britain were no longer a part of the British Empire. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration was a formal explanation of why Congress had voted on July 2 to declare independence from Great Britain, more than a year after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. The birthday of the United States of America—Independence Day—is celebrated on July 4, the day the wording of the Declaration was approved by Congress.

The 1776 Declaration set forth evident truths that have been embraced by peoples of other nations – that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, especially the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that it is the duty of government to protect these rights, and that, failing to do so, it is the right of the people to seek an abolition of such government. The Declaration spurred many other movements worldwide to bring an end to colonization and other forms of government that had become unaccountable, repressive, and abusive.

As we set this day aside to spend with family and friends, I want to remember why we do celebrate on July 4th. The history of our country is very interesting to me and I love reading about our forefathers and their struggles and triumphs in creating this great country we live in. When I hear the Star Spangled Banner or God Bless America or other beautiful music that celebrates our country I am so proud that I get to live in this nation. I really don't know how to explain how I feel when I see the beautiful landscape throughout our country or hear a patriotic song or see the planes fly over head at an event, the things that make me humble and proud to be an American..

I think the song by Lee Greenwood "God Bless the USA".. states my feelings perfectly;

If tomorrow all my things were gone,

I’d worked for all my life.

And I had to start again

,just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars

to be livin here today

‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,

and they can’t take that away.

From the lakes of Minnesota,

to the hills of Tennessee.

Across the plains of Texas,

From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston,

and New York to L.A.

Well there's pride in every American heart,

and its time we stand and say.

That I’m proud to be an American,

where at least I know I’m free.

And I wont forget the ones who died,

who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,

next to you and defend her still today.

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA.

I just get a feeling inside me and usually tears flow because I am touched by the beauty of it all.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Independence Day.