07/04/08

Happy July the Fourth!!! I am so thankful to the Lord for where I was born and raised. I think often of how much we take for granted in this country. The number one thing we take for granted is the freedoms we have. Most people find they would rather gripe and complain about all that is wrong with America instead of thank those who have fought for what we have. America is not a perfect land, and I see it going in a direction that does not make me happy, but it is still a FREE country and God has blessed us for so long. May we remember today that it is GOD who has provided for us this free country along with the men and women who have given their lives.

I found some poems that expressed what I was thinking today. One poem is our National Anthem! I also found some facts to go along with why Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star Spangled Banner"... I hope everyone knows the words to the first stanza. I was amazed a few years ago to realize not every American knew it. Where has Patriotism gone?

One Nation Under God

by Roger Robicheau

One Nation Under God we live Think about all some had to give We the people share freedom’s life In a world of ever present strife Be grateful to those who keep this true Warriors of our red, white, and blue They're trained by those of great skill Honed to perform, so strong their will They show what love is all about They’ll fight for us, there is no doubt Defending bravely what we are No holding back each heartfelt star Highly praise these men and women Giving thanks time and again Those in uniform will always be The golden pride of this country Francis Scott Key (1780-1843), a native of Maryland, was a lawyer and poet. His patriotic poem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," which has become a national song, made him famous. The incidents referred to in this poem occurred during the War of 1812. In August, 1814, a strong force of British entered Washington and burned the Capitol, the White House, and many other public buildings. On September 13, the British admiral moved his fleet into position to attack Fort McHenry, near Baltimore. The bombardment of the fort lasted all night, but the fort was so bravely defended that the flag was still floating over it when morning came. Just before the bombardment began, Francis Scott Key was sent to the admiral's frigate to arrange for an exchange of prisoners, and was told to wait until the bombardment was over. All night he watched the fort, and by the first rays of morning light he saw he Stars and Stripes still waving. Then, in his joy and pride, he wrote the stirring words of the song which is now known and loved by all Americans--"The Star-Spangled Banner." The Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key O 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? On that shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam-- In full glory reflected now shines in the stream; 'Tis the Star-Spangled Banner; O long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! And where are the foes who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave; And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war desolation; Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just, And this be our motto, "In God is our trust"; And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! On this Independence Day, I also think of freedom in Christ. Christ shed His blood so that we can have freedom from sin. I pray that you have accepted that gift of salvation and have that independence as well. May you have a safe and wonderful July Fourth! We will be cooking out with our good friends and enjoying the time together. Let's not forget what this day is all about. I am so thankful to be... an AMERICAN.