By Caroline Clemmons
Many of you are looking forward to a long weekend off work
(unless you’re an author) as part of our Independence Day celebration. Our
country has faced turbulence since its formation in 1776. Today, let’s
concentrate on the triumphs.
Most of you are too young to remember actor Jimmy Cagney. As
someone who loves old movies, I enjoyed the pugnacious man. Later films
depicted him as a tough guy, but one of my favorites was his rendition of “Yankee
Doodle Dandy” in an earlier film. We should all have this joy for our country.
We have freedom of worship—even when a few madmen burn
churches and another shoots those within. We have the right to choose our own
jobs—even when the one we want is difficult to find. I love Norman Rockwell’s
paintings of the Four Freedoms: Freedom of Religion, Freedom from Want, Freedom of Speech, and Freedom from Fear.
Do we sometimes fall short of these basic tenets of our country? We have warts, true, but I wouldn’t want to live anywhere
else. I loved a visit years ago to Branson, Missouri. My husband and I and the
couples with whom we traveled joked about the fact that seven of the nine shows
we saw ended with a patriotic tribute. But is that bad? No, of course not. We
enjoyed every second.
Whether you’re enjoying Bruce Springsteen’s “Born on the
Fourth of July”, Martina McBride’s “Independence Day”, or Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA”, revel
in the blessings living in this country affords us. And strive each day to increase the blessings and
stamp out the hatreds dividing this great nation and its people!
Happy Independence Day.
Caroline, Good post for the upcoming weekend. I agree, this country has some issues that may take even more decades to sort out, but on the whole I can't think of a better country to live.
ReplyDeleteI love the Independence Day holiday. It gives us a chance to be with family, watch some wonderful fireworks displays, and send an extra special acknowledgment to the service men and women who give us this privilege every single day. But you're right--most of the authors will be writing a good share of the weekend. I know you and I will be!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to our 4th of July! Yes, our country has problems, as do all, but it is the best places to be able to live with all the freedoms we do have. "God Bless the USA!" Thanks Caroline for a great post!
ReplyDeleteA great post, and I love "Yankee Doodle Dandy", too. I can't say I remember it when it was new, but I've watched it over and over on TV and will watch it again.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Caroline! I'm with you - this is the best country in the world to live in. Have a happy 4th!
ReplyDeleteLove your post and videos--especially Jimmy Cagney. Happy Independence Day!
ReplyDeleteI'm playing catchup today on blog reading. Good post, Caroline. I've lived in other countries and visited many more. I've never found a country better than this one. Sure, we have problems, but, like I said on my blog: "I still believe in Land of the Free and Home of the Brave. Belated Happy Independence Day to you too.
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