Today in the United States it is Flag Day. It's a day set aside to honor the flag that represents our country. You can go to this link to learn more about the history of the United States flag and this day.

http://www.usflag.org/more2.html

Since it's flag day, I'm going to put on my patriotic hat. I love the USA. What a great country! When I see the flag and sing our national anthem, tears often come to my eyes. I'm truly troubled by people who denigrate my country, saying it is evil. I just want to tell them to go live somewhere else if they think the USA is so awful. I wonder if these people consider the fact that if we shipped them off to Cuba, they could find themselves in prison if they were so bold as to criticize the Cuban government.

No country is perfect, but the USA has so much to offer. Why do people risk their lives to come here? Why do hundreds of people come here illegally every day? (And we won't get into the argument over illegal immigrants.) They know this country is a wonderful place to live, full of opportunities that they didn't have where they came from. And I'm more grateful than I can ever explain that I was born in the USA.

I'm an American child. If you've ever heard the song Phil Vassar sings entitled "An American Child," you'll understand what I mean. The line in the song about dreams being born inside an American child speaks right to me. I wasn't born into wealth or privilege, but I was born in the USA where I could pursue my dreams. I had a dream to be a published author. I've realized that dream. I really believe there are opportunities for anyone who has the willingness to work and sacrifice to make his or her dreams come true.

In some circles it's not politically correct to be patriotic. But I'm going to stand up today and say I'm proud to be an American.
Merrillee

posted by Merrillee @ 10:54 AM