Red, White and Blue...

I know that the flag has significant meaning behind it's design, and I don't even know what that is truly. I'm sure I was taught it at one point, but I can't quite think of what it is at the moment. To some, it's merely a symbol of our country, our brand mark. But as I was showering tonight after spending a lovely day enjoying my friends and family, and reflecting upon today's meaning - a much more personal representation came to mind that I thought I would share. Red is for the blood that flows through me, you - and all of us who call this great country home. White is for the lack of divide between us - the void of color, race, religion and creed. White is purity and hope - and if we don't see differences between us - then there is nothing but bright light, which is what the white represents to me. Blue is for fierce loyalty, always rising to defend what is precious to us - as well as protecting those who aren't able to defend themselves. The stars are for hope of a better tomorrow...and the stripes are for strength, to be able to stay strong even when times are difficult.

When September 11th occured, it was so devastating. It was surreal, and I wish my children wouldn't have to see it on television or learn about it from school. I wish I could shelter them from it. But I can't - it happened, and it's very real - and they need to know that an anger and rage like that exists.

I am so proud and so thankful to have been born in the United States. I am not ashamed of who we are, what our politics are - nor what we stand for. While I don't always agree with my government, I would never not stand as a unified front to the rest of the world. I will never cower, nor waver - nor disrespect my soldiers. Whether I believe in conflicts that we may be involved with or not, to not support my government publicly only serves to tarnish the lives that have been lost over the years. We are so fortunate to live in a country where there is a free military, a voluntary military. And I thank each and every one of them for doing a job so selflessly - so that I do not have to.

"If tomorrow all the things were gone,I’d worked for all my life.And I had to start again,with 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.
And I’m proud to be an American,where at least I know I’m free.And I wont forget the men 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.

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 men 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.
And I’m proud to be an American,where at least I know I’m free.And I wont forget the men 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."

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July...