Independence Day celebrations are special.

Families and friends gather for hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, chicken, brisket and pork grilled by a pitmaster using his or her own secret sauce and charcoal combinations.

Potato salad, beans, pickles along with a ‘coke’ or sweet tea keeps the pallet wet.  A bowl of ice cream, banana pudding or a slice of watermelon makes the meal complete.

Communities gather for parades, fireworks, entertainment and inevitably Lee Greenwood singing in tear-jerking and heart-wrenching fashion the tune so appropriate for the occasion.

 

 

If tomorrow all the things were gone
I’d hoped for all my life
And I had to start again
With just my family by my side
I’d thank my God above
To be living here today
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom
And they can’t take that away

 

From the lakes of Minnesota
To the hills of Tennessee
Across the plains of Texas
From sea to shining sea
From Detroit down to Houston
And New York to LA

There’s pride in every American heart
And it’s time we stand and say

 

And I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I gladly stand up next to you
And defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land

God Bless the USA

 

You can find the lyrics written by songwriter Greenwood online provided by Musixmatch.  YouTube has several recordings available by Greenwood, Beyonce and Home Free, among others.

Every year a good crowd attends the fireworks and entertainment at the Riverfront Pavilion in Orange.  The City of Orange hosts this patriotic event enjoyed by young and old alike.

Facebook posts from friends, family, and groups across the area provided evidence of wonderful parades, food and fireworks throughout the Golden Triangle.

Even the ‘first family’ Donald and Melania Trump hosted an event at Washington, D.C.

A crowd assembled on the green of the National Mall to hear Trump’s speech.  Our nation’s military was on the ground and in the air providing a patriotic tribute to the proud heritage of freedom and security it provides.

It is fitting to do so.

Greenwood eloquently states the sentiments enjoyed by Americans throughout this land we call the U.S.A.

Gratitude to God for providing this land as our home, devotion to family, allegiance to fellow Americans, gratitude to the men and women who have sacrificed to protect it and the willingness to fight to preserve it.

Take time to listen to Greenwood’s song by your favorite artist.  He succinctly expresses the reality of the blessings we enjoy and the resolve we share to protect and maintain our freedom and our devotion to family.

God bless the U.S.A.

 

Bobby Tingle is publisher of The Orange Leader.  You can reach him at bobby.tingle@orangeleader.com.