What Does Independence Day Mean To Me

On the 4th of July my brother asked me, "What does Independence Day mean to me?" This was my answer.  "Honestly now is not the time to ask me.  Based on what I'm seeing in our country today it just makes me sad.  We wanted independence so we could be free.  But now it seems people want more government and less freedom.  People hate our country more than they love it.  So today I'm just sad, because I'm not sure how many Independent Day celebrations are left."  

When driving home from work I decided to listen to a playlist of Patriotic songs.  I put the playlist on random and this is what I heard and what it meant to me.  

First was "God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood.  So it speaks to me right of the bat...

If tomorrow all the things were gone 

I worked for all my life
And I had to start again
With just my children and my wife

I thank my lucky stars
To be living here today
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
And they can't take that away

And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free

Nothing is guaranteed to us, but as long I live in America and it still stands for freedom I know I can overcome any hardship. 

The next song was "America" by Neil Diamond.   The verse that resonated to me was this...

Everywhere around the world
They're coming to America
Every time that flag's unfurled
They're coming to America

Got a dream to take them there
They're coming to America
Got a dream they've come to share
They're coming to America

People come from all around the world to live in America.  America is a place to make your dreams come true.  And it reminds me how lucky I am to have been born in America. 

The third song was "Where Were You," by Alan Jackson.   It reminded me of how as a nation we stood united and came together as one after 911.  And this verse stuck out to me...

But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

I believe we are a nation blessed by God.  So I have faith that when times are darkest we will stand together.  I have hope that our nation will continue to strive for a more perfect union.  And I know if we focus more on love we can overcome anything.

The fourth song was "God Bless America," sung by Daniel Rodriguez.   Hearing this verse right off got me...

God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above

I love this country and I pray God will contine to bless us, guide us, and be a light for us.  Because with God as our light we will never fade away.

The fifth song was "There She Stands," by Michael W. Smith.  This song is about our flag. 

There she flies
Clear blue skies
Reminds us with red
Of those that died
Washed in white
By the brave
In their strength
She stands

The flag reminds me of the blood shed to defend us.  The brave that fought for the idea the our nation.  And the flag is able to stand, because of the American solider.  

The sixth song was "American Solider," by Toby Keith.  Here I was reminded of why we can have freedom. 

Oh, and I don't want to die for you
But if dyin's asked of me
I'll bear that cross with honor
'Cause freedom don't come free

In general what I like about this song is that it reminds me that the American Solider isn't a superhero, but just a regular person like my brother, my father, my uncle, my cousin, and my friends.  And we are all lucky for their service.

The seventh song was "Red, White, and Blue," by Lynyrd Skynyrd.  And it reminds me we are really all the same and just want to live life free and in peace.

My hair's turning white,
My neck's always been red,
My collar's still blue,
We've always been here
Just trying to sing the truth to you.
Yes you could say
We've always been,
Red, White, and Blue

My hair isn't white yet, but everyday is a day I get older.  I might not be a redneck, but I still consider myself a red blooded American.  And while most would think I'm while collar, I still get my hands dirty at work cleaning toilets, putting out stocks of merchandise, making donuts late at night. and just doing whatever needs to be done to get the job done.  That is the American way.

The eighth and final song was our "National Anthem," song by Whitney Houston at Super Bowl XXV.  And even though I was driving my heart was standing when I heard...

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?