I am happy to be an American

[Krogen]

Tonight I stood outside on a warm evening with a glass or three of Bulleit rye. I saw my friends and neighbors celebrating our birthday. Magnificent fireworks; none of them "safe and sane." American flags on hoisted high by my neighbors; all of 'em. Flags properly lit for the nighttime hours. The ruckus, the smoke, the flashes. I was a kid once again. It felt good. Real good.

It was clear to me that despite our problems, there is hope for the nation. My neighbors exhibited that. Tonight's birthday party held more meaning for me than in years past. I think that despite our nation's troubles, that there are still people sharing wholesome core values is heart-warming. There is hope for us. Big fireworks, American flags, good people; and a glass of Bulleit. Life is good. Isn't it?

Happy Birthday America!

 

[Rustyt1953]

My neighborhood is festooned with American flags but that is not out of the ordinary as this community is a slice of Americana.

On a more personal note I hold Independence Day a little closer to the vest than some as I earned my citizenship. My completion of my military service on June 10th, 1975 entitled me to citizenship.

While processing out a Major said my DD-214 would be my proof of citizenship. He then handed me a folded flag and said: " on behalf of a grateful nation".

 

[Rudi]

We are blessed to be Americans!!

 

[TJm15.38]

There is no other place I would want to live. There is nothing that we can't accomplish as a free people working together. We have many challenges ahead. The world is in constant turmoil and conflict. We must stay strong and free to confront the challenges of this century. The best hope for a peaceful and free world is right here in the United States of America, where it has been for 248 years.

 

[Golddollar]

By coincidence, today I had the occasion to pull out the naturalization decree of one of my great grandmother's great grandfather from the U. S. District Court in Wilmington, DE. It was dated April 20, 1811, and happily the Clerk of the Court had wonderful handwriting. My ancestor was described as being a "subject" of the French Republic, and now he was "admitted" a citizen of the United States of America.

The interesting story about him is that he was shipwrecked out in the Atlantic and washed up on the Virginia portion of the Delmarva Peninsula. The story is that he had to swim about two miles to get to shore. So the fact that I'm sitting here typing this post is the result of my ancestor's swimming ability.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

My direct ancestor arrived here in 1640. I am in the 11th generation since. My sons are the 12th, grandchildren are the 13th, and great-grandchildren are the 14th generation. I do my best to make sure they appreciate the benefits of their heritage as American citizens.

 

[SMSgt]

My neighborhood is festooned with American flags but that is not out of the ordinary as this community is a slice of Americana.

On a more personal note I hold Independence Day a little closer to the vest than some as I earned my citizenship. My completion of my military service on June 10th, 1975 entitled me to citizenship.

While processing out a Major said my DD-214 would be my proof of citizenship. He then handed me a folded flag and said: " on behalf of a grateful nation".

Unless you live in TN.

 

[M29since14]

I’m in no humor to move elsewhere.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

My ancestors came to America about 1731 from Germany. I served my country during Korea. I am very proud to be an American. Enough said.

 

[rwsmith]

Did anybody see...

Paul Harrell's 4th of July video with his brother Roy? Poor fellow looks in bad shape but he could still shoot and acted like his old self. I'm not sure when this was made but I believe I heard that he was in hospice care now.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnjRiI54VWE[/ame]

 

[rwsmith]

We have problems....

...but we can deal with them. There are a lot of people in the world that can't say that. Often they move here.

 

[BC38]

...but we can deal with them. There are a lot of people in the world that can't say that. Often they move here.

Yeah, as "horrible" as we're told the USA is, it is still the place that most of the world wants to immigrate to. I don't see many people wanting to leave - though I wish that some well known folks who have threatened to leave would make good on that promise! Maybe they will in the near future...

 

[45Smashemflat]

As my Dad used to say, only the un-free countries fence their people IN. (This was before the fall of The Wall, obviously.)

The family set foot here in the 1740s on Farrah’s Island, Va. pretty much took part in every conflict since. (Albeit, the losing side in 1861.).

As I tell folks all the time, pick a better country, and move if it’s really that bad.