Linda Hulsizer

Happy 250th Birthday America,

I love America and all that it represents.  There are so many good memories in my mind about my life in the USA.

I grew up when you began your school day by saluting the flag, pledging allegiance to our flag, and to our country.  After reciting the pledge, we sang, "My country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing…"

I remember carrying our flag in the Memorial Day parade when I was a Brownie Scout.  What a privilege to carry our flag – the red, white, and blue. I was in the front row and carried the flag with great care, keeping it straight and high.  Whoever carried our troop flag would lower it so the American flag would be higher.  I was proud.  It was difficult because I was short and the flag was heavy.  I carried the flag the entire parade and it was an honor.  Everyone watching would stand when the flag passed in front of them.

I enjoy parades, watching the marchers in their uniforms, everyone keeping in step together, listening to the bands, and watching spectators stand and salute our flag.  Men would remove their hats and place their hand over their heart.  The applause that followed was wonderful.  It was one way you showed your love for our country.

I often let my emotions show when I see our flag, our military in full dress uniform, or hear a song about America.  This is my country; it is your country.  I pray generations from now, we the people will still be carrying our flag, singing songs, and celebrating another 250 years for this country.

I've visited many places in our great country; and some stand out more than others.  Fort McHenry in Baltimore has much history.  Francis Scott Key penned the words to The Star Spangled Banner (our National Anthem) while at the Fort (they fly the largest American flag I've ever seen).  There's the Statue of Liberty, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Grand Canyon, and Pearl Harbor, plus many more.

The Memorial Day and July 4th concerts are special to me.  You listen as someone tells a story of a heroic act, and the impact it has even on those who never met or heard of that individual.  The story will be remembered.

For several years I decorated my yard with American flags and would keep them flying until the 4th of July celebrations were over.  The first year I only flew a few flags.  The next year I added thirteen flags honoring the thirteen military men and women serving in Afghanistan who gave their lives in the name of peace and freedom.

The next year I added more flags to remember the 3,000 plus individuals who were killed on September 11, in the air and on the ground.  I'd like to think some of those who we lost took time that morning to stop and look up at the crystal clear blue sky and give thanks for such a beautiful day.

The following year I was more focused.  I began putting some flags out ahead of Memorial Day.  I added more flags as we neared July 4th.  The number of flags continues to grow.  Some represent those Americans who proudly served and came home a changed individual.  Others represent family and friends who served our country during World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. They also include anyone in the military who served our country on our own ground, within our borders while carrying out their missions.

The flags won't come down any time soon; I'll display them from the first patriotic holiday we recognize until we celebrate Veterans Day in November.  I can make that choice because I am an American; I'm thankful for all the privileges I enjoy.  I earned that right as an American living in this great land.

I'm proud to be an American.  I love this country and every freedom I enjoy.  More than ever, I thank individuals I see who served our great country.  I don't know their names, but they are special individuals to me.  So many fought for our freedom, and we need to take time to remember them, thank them, and honor them.  Freedom will always need to be protected; but, it will always be worth the sacrifices.

Celebrating our country's 250th birthday is important to me.  I love the freedoms I enjoy every day; and often, I take them for granted.  However, these celebrations are times of remembrance and thanks.

Happy Birthday America.  May God continue to bless us and keep us safe; and may we never forget.