GOD BLESS AMERICA
we need all the blessings we can get
My mom said all too often that I should at least try not be so passionate about things.
My grandmother disagreed with her daughter and said that my passion would make me a good writer.
My mom said, I wore my heart on my sleeve.
My grandmother would laugh and say “do you want her to go sleeveless, then?”
Ah, the contradiction of generations.
Yet, both were right. I am very passionate about so many things.
Our Independence Day is approaching and as I read all the tributes to the brave men of years gone by who fought and died for our freedom, it saddens me that their tribulations were a necessary part of their lives.
If my mom were still alive (she passed away nine years ago at the tender age of 96), I know she’d comment, “I’m so glad you’re way too old to join the military. You really worry me.”
Yeah, I guess she would have been right.
I love my country. I don’t often love (or even like) those who think they know how to run it, but it’s still MY country and those in power will someday no longer be in a position to create laws and bills that might hurt the little guy (us).
Does that mean we’d vote in someone better? I would like to think so but let’s face it. Voting is a crap shoot. Politicians lie. Things change.
The only thing that remains our constant is the fact that our Flag still stands for the freedom our predecessors fought so hard to obtain.
So as the FOURTH OF JULY (not July 4th) approaches and we watch the parades, listen to speeches (that hopefully make some sense), and celebrate the freedom we’re enjoying, don’t mind me if you see that occasional tear roll down my cheek.
It’s just my mind visualizing the battles fought, lost, and finally won that made our country what it is and pray it stays free.
I’ll watch the fireworks and envision cannons blasting as they announce our victory.
My mind will picture the survivors as they make their ways back to their families who waited so patiently for their return. And I’ll celebrate with their memories as I sing that old refrain:
God Bless America.
(God knows, we need all the blessings we can get.)
About the Creator
Margaret Brennan
I am a 78-year old grandmother who loves to write, fish, and grab my camera to capture the beautiful scenery I see around me.
My husband and I found our paradise in Punta Gorda Florida where the weather always keeps us guessing.
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Comments (15)
Greet
Margaret, thank you for this. I love that you wrote “MY COUNTRY” in all caps. One team likes to say “our country”- which on paper looks innocent - but it’s the way they say it, as if it’s not all Americans’ country but only theirs. Bravo!
I love this sentiment, Margaret :) Sometimes patriotism feels shameful because of all the failures of our nation’s leaders, but the very core and idea of what America should be, a place where all can live together and be represented, is a beautiful one.
Margaret, congratulations on your top story! Your words hit hard. I will never forget the day when my mum became a US citizen. She was so happy. As delighted as she was, she alwasy taught us kids that americans take so much for granted. This took me years to fully understand. I agree, we need all the blessings we can get❣️
Passionate, honest, and deeply moving. You captured the bittersweet pride of loving a country while grieving its struggles. Your words echo like a quiet anthem. God bless, indeed.
Your words touched me more deeply than I expected—sometimes we write through pain, and sometimes we heal through someone else’s. Thank you for reminding me that stories like ours matter. I’m also someone who writes from a place of struggle and silent strength. Following you now—and I’d be honored if you ever visit my corner of Vocal too. We rise when we lift each other.
That's true. Nice to hear it .
truly America is one of the most interesting and spectacular nations to ever exist 💐💐💐
Amen! 🇺🇸 I became a citizen on March 9 of 2022 and I will tell you that this is the best country on earth in my humble opinion. It's the freest country which counts for a lot anymore.
can you i read my sory pleas
Congratulations on your Top Story 🎉🥳
You wrote a story straight from your heart and pulled at my heartstrings and I totally agree with you. God Bless America!
Yes, we do need the blessings now. I feel like America today is not the country I came to 21 years ago and I hope it will be able to correct its course for the benefit of all people living in it not just oligarchs.
Beautiful ♦️🦋♦️
You said it perfectly in this whole piece, but especially this right here: "I love my country. I don’t often love (or even like) those who think they know how to run it, but it’s still MY country, and those in power will someday no longer be in a position to create laws and bills that might hurt the little guy (us)."