Memories of the Fourth of July from years gone by, flood my mind this morning. As I look out my window, there’s a grey haze in the sky. Humid air infuses the atmosphere. Summer heat kisses the ground with glistening dew. It’s a day of family events occurring to honor our country on its 248th birthday. Bands will play patriotic music. The flag will be displayed. Barbeque grills will fire up and people will gather for another holiday, but will we really consider what has happened to this fledgling nation over its short history? Many will don their red, white and blue apparel. Some will salute the flag as it’s displayed. Some will scoff at the changes that have occurred while others will continue to honor the founding of this nation.

A few years ago, we moved into our current address. We live in one of the first towns to be established in our state. We inhabit a home that was built in 1885 – after our nation went through a civil war which divided families and continues to wage even today as opinions become separated again. The small-town atmosphere seems to be more conducive to patriotism, but this attribute is not restricted to one part of the country our another. It’s something that lives within the hearts and minds of its citizens. In less than three centuries those feelings have been tested to the max.

Mark Twain once said of the United States, “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” That sentence is a good reminder of what our government was intended for. Over time the good intentions of our founding fathers have been tarnished to facilitate the greed, the narcissism, the bravado and popularity of those who would lead us.

Patriotism means that we collectively are proud of our freedoms.  We stand when the “Star Spangled Banner” is played. We even try to belt out the words with our faltering voices.  We remember the many battles fought, just during our lifetime, to protect our rights and honor democracy.  This one day in which we honor our nation, isn’t just about fireworks and celebration.  It’s about the ability to do those things without fear of repercussion.

As we pack up another Independence Day, let’s keep our patriotism alive a little longer than just a few days.  George Washington referred to America as a “Great experiment.” Any experiment needs to be nurtured, refined, polished and occasionally changed to fit the times, but the original template should never be forgotten. Many wars, many lives, too many tough life memories have paid the price for our freedoms. Let us never put away our patriotism.

GOD BLESS AMERICA – AGAIN!