Monday, July 4, 2011

The Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave

So this is the second year in a row I've been in a foreign country for Independence Day.  Last year, at least, we had a barbecue and celebrated with other American friends here in Holland, but that's not going to happen today.  I've always been very patriotic, probably more so than a lot of others because of growing up as a military brat, but I do love America.  It's a great country to be from in this world.  My favorite verse from the Star-Spangled Banner is this one:


Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's 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, when 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!



I think it's beautiful.  I first learned it in high school, and others I've known have also expressed their love for this verse.  I remember I heard it play one day, and thought about how beautiful our national anthem really is.  I've sung it many times, whether in ROTC or getting payed to for little league games in California, but often never pay attention to what I'm saying.  When I stop and actually think about the words, it's really beautiful and very spiritual.  I so grateful for the men and women who fight for my freedom.  I know God wanted this country to be found, and without His help we would have lost the war and would all be British right now.  I wish all Americans would remember "In God is our trust."  The Founding Fathers weren't idiots, they knew what they were doing when they founded this country.  I wish we would listen to them.


Anyway, I'm done with preaching.  Time for a new edition of "Hottie of the Post!"  Today's winner is...Chris Evans!




After a bit of searching, I thought our very own Captain America would be a nice, patriotic choice for today ;-)  Pretty gorgeous, right?  Anyway, I've got a lot of homework and laundry to do, so I must bid you farewell.  Happy 4th of July!

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