Historical Recap

Watching the historic Inauguration of Barack Obama today made me think about history and all of the things I have been witnessed in my life time. Not all of the events have been good ones, many tragic; however, all of them have impacted our country and world so dramatically making us better people and a stronger nation.

In no particular order, the historic events that happened during my life time…..

1. The Challenger explosion
2. Terrorist Attack on 9-11
3. The Berlin Wall came down
4. Operation Desert Storm
5. Operation Iraqi Freedom
6. Barack Obama became the 44th President
7. Michael Phelps won 8 Gold Medals in the 2008 Olympics
8. Nelson Mandela was freed from Prison
9. OJ Simpson got away with murder (since this is my list, I am entitled to my own opinions)
10. Attack on the USS Cole
11. Death of Pope John Paul II

I am sure there are some I am forgetting, and I can only hope and pray their will be more to come.

Regardless of party affiliation or political beliefs I hope you have found some renewed faith in the country I am proud to call home, the UNITED States of America.

Remembering and Reflecting

On my way home tonight I got to see something similar to this I couldn't help but get a little emotional thinking about how many lives were changed forever 7 years ago today. I keep the families who lost loved ones in my prayers today and everyday.

Proud

One of D's best friends married a French girl, they have a child to whom D is the Godfather. The Christening took place in France and of course we were invited. I will admit I was hesitant to go because of all of the hype around the French and how they hate Americans and vice versa. I am so glad we decided to go, it was one of the best experiences of my life.

In addition to being their to celebrate the christening of a child we got to spend time totally submerged in the French culture- what a great way to experience a foreign land.

As much fun as the christening was, that was not the best part of the trip, one of the most moving experiences of my live happened at Normandy Cemetery.


D and I were at an overlook, look at the water and reading a plaque that spoke about the invasion. It was late in the afternoon and a fog was rolling across the water. There were about 5 other people in the same area. All of a sudden it got very quiet, and we heard a bugle playing "Taps" we looked over and saw them lowering the US Flag. It was as if we were all at a funeral, the hairs on our arms stood up and everyone's eyes filled with tears. It was amazing to see people who didn't even know each other reacting the same way.

When the flag was lowered and folded. One of the guys who was there looked at his buddy and said "that was too intense for me, I am out of here" I couldn't agree more, it was very intense. Not sure if it was the way every person i in the cemetery reacted or if it was hearing Taps on foreign soil or a combination of all things.


Being at the cemetery and seeing row after row of graves reminded how lucky I am to be an American there are so many luxuries I get to enjoy every day and don't even think about. It is because of all of the men and woman that fight for our country each and every day.






On this Veteran's day I thank all Veterans and remind myself this is the land of the free because of the brave!!!

Proud American?

Happy 4th of July.

To celebrate our nation's independence, D and I had dinner with his mother, sister and our brother-in-law. The weather was yucky so we were forced to watch our fireworks on TV :(

Macy's did a great job again this year, the broadcast of the fireworks had some great narration and music to go with the fireworks, at one point the announcer recited the Pledge of Allegience. I somewhat teasing said to my husband- can you recite the Pledge of Allegience? We put the TV on mute and he proudly said "I pledge allegience to the flag" and stopped. At first I told him he should be ashamed, what kind of a American is he? Trying to show him up I said "I pledge allegience to the flag of the United States of America" then I stopped.... none of the 5 adults in the room could recite the Pledge without thinking about it..... that scares the crap out of me. What is wrong with us?

I can remember the Girl Scout pledge from 5th Grade (hold up the 3 middle fingers) On my honor I will try to serve God, My Country and mankind and to live by the Girl Scout law. Yet I can't remember the Pledge of Allegience?

After brainstorming and partnering as a group we finally got it:
I pledge allegience to the flag of the United State of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

I promised myself I will recite it at least once a day so I can engrave it my brain again, afterall, I consider myself to be a proud American and proud Americans should be able to salute their flag at the drop of a hat..... afterall people are dying while trying to protect that flag!!