P A T R I O T I S M

We here highly resolve that
those dead shall not have died in vain.

Don't let the eagle shed another tear.
Be a patriot!
Do your part to keep the American spirit alive.

ABCs  of  Patriotism

Accept that you're not alone. The people of the United States will stand strong and united through any crisis.

Buy America. Help the wounded economy make a full recovery.

Celebrate today, because you're part of one of the greatest nations beneath the sun.

Don't panic because of what you hear on the news or read in the paper.

Embrace the ones you love and cherish family values.

Fly the flag proudly. Many people have fought and died for it.

Greet each dawn with optimism. Remember President Franklin Roosevelt's words: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself..."

Honor the constitution and all the liberties it grants you. Honor the liberties it grants other Americans as well. Many have fought to give you these privileges.

Instill a sense of American pride in your children. Teach them the many reasons why they should be glad to be part of this great nation.

Join the ranks of those who refuse to be bullied or frightened by foreign aggressors. Do your part to help your nation and your neighbor.

Know the Pledge of Allegiance and treasure the meaning of the beautiful words:

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands: one nation UNDER GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Love your neighbor with all of your heart.

Measure the United States by all of the privileges and opportunities it grants you every day. Unlike the citizens of many other countries, you can do anything you want, become anyone you want to be.

Never lose faith that this country will succeed in the face of adversity. God will always guide this nation and keep each star on the American flag shining bright.

Offer hope. Everyone could use some.

Pray that God will continue to richly bless this country, and remember our motto is: "In God is our trust."

Quit dwelling on the negative. Instead focus on making this nation even better tomorrow than it is today in the spirit of the founding fathers.

Remember those who have fought for this country and honor them.

Support our troops overseas. Keep their morale up.

Think about how lucky you are to be part of this great nation.

Use your skills and talent to the best of your ability in order to make this country a great place to live.

Vote. Don't throw away one of your greatest rights.

Wear a smile instead of a frown.

X-ray the heart of the nation, and you'll find that it's beating stronger than ever. The eagle has grown new wings and is taking flight.

Yield to the overwhelming feeling of national pride that's all around.

Zealously treasure your freedom, and do all you can to defend it with the heart of a true patriot.

©Written and Designed by Bobette Bryan, 2001

 

 

 

 

Our true colors

Today I made a trip,
to the clinic of our local VA,
where America's true colors,
are proudly on display.
 
I'm not speaking of the colors
of our Flag's red, white and blue,
I'm speaking of the soldiers
who have fought for me and you.
 
There were men of all ages,
from World War One, just a few,
most were from the "war to end all wars"
"the big one", World War Two.
 
From our UN participation,
Korea, Viet Nam and Desert Storm,
from Joint Police Actions,
keeping people safe from harm.
 
Though they are in wheel chairs,
on crutches or with canes,
missing an arm, leg or eye,
their loyalty still remains.
 
They are from well know divisions,
Paratroopers from Kentucky's Fort Campbell,
to Fort Hood Texas, the tank drivers,
called "Hell on Wheels", a name known well.
 
They were Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines,
all with medical problems, waiting to be seen,
discussing America's latest problems,
over coffee in the crowded canteen.
 
Then a white haired man rose up,
his back bent with age,
his voice shook, his hand trembled,
his eyes told of his rage.
 
He said "I'm an old man,
in years I'm eighty-five,
I guess by most standards,
I'm lucky to be alive."
 
" I was a paratrooper,
in World War Two,
I'd go again,
how about you?"

"For this is my country,
many have died to keep her free,
my Father, my Son, my Best Friend,
I will not forsake their memory."
 
The room was quiet,
as he sat down,
in that large room,
not one dry eye could be found.
 
For the all had a similar story,
which, on by one, they started to tell,
this room full of American Veterans,
made my heart swell.
 
Watching these American Vet's,
their arms around both young and old,
from World War One to current time,
my patriotism, grew one hundred fold.
 
Now I know what Patriotism really means,
it's not just "apple pie, Mom and the girl next door",
it's a feeling, welling up from your soul,
way down deep, at your very core.
 
It's a catch in your throat when "America" is sung,
tears in your eyes when Veterans parade by,
standing straight, when reciting the "Pledge,
and a bursting heart when "Old Glory" does fly.
 
Dedicated to All Who Have Served.

©Pamela Gayle Smith, 09-25-2001

 

 

 

 

The Hyphen

The Hyphen, Webster's Dictionary defines,
Is a symbol used to divide a
compound word or a single word.
So it seems to me that when a man calls himself
An "Afro-American," a "Mexican-American,"
"Italian-American," an "Irish-American," a "Jewish-American,"
What he's sayin' is, "I'm a divided American."

Well, we all came from other places,
Different creeds and different races,
To form a nation, to become as one,
Yet look at the harm a line has done.
A simple little line, and yet
As divisive as a line can get.

A crooked cross the Nazis flew,
And the Russian hammer and sickle too...
Time bombs in the lives of Man;
But none of these could ever fan
The fames of hatred faster than
The Hyphen.

The Russian hammer built a wall
That locks men's hearts from freedom's call.
A crooked cross flew overhead
Above twenty million tragic dead...
Among them men from this great nation,
Who died for freedom's preservation.

A hyphen is a line that's small;
It can be a bridge or be a wall.
A bridge can save you lots of time;
A wall you always have to climb.
The road to liberty lies true.
The Hyphen's use is up to you.

Used as a bridge, it can span
All the differences of Man.
Being free in mind and soul
Should be our most important goal.
If you use The Hyphen as a wall,
You'll make your life mean... and small.

An American is a special breed,
Whose people came to her in need.
They came to her that they might find
A world where they'd have peace of mind,
Where men are equal... and something more,
Stand taller than they stood before.

So you be wise in your decision,
And that little line won't cause division.
Let's join hands with one another...
For in this land, each man's your brother.
United we stand... divided we fall ―
We're AMERICANS, and that says it all.

(author unknown)

 

 

"As the dust from the rubble settles
on all Americans, we are all the same color."

"I Pledge Allegiance"

 
Page updated 10-27-09
Designed, Created, and Maintained by:
Mom ~ October 21, 2007
©Marilyn Jeffries, Reflection of the Echo 1974-2009
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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