On our Nation’s birthday, I would like to put aside all politics. I don’t care if you are a democrat or republican; a liberal or a conservative. We can probably agree that our representatives do a terrible job representing us. My granddaddy used to say that you can’t be honest and a politician, too. The older I get, the more I see that’s true. During this time when the election is being shoved down our throats, I’d like to take a step back, and focus on the fact that we are all Americans and we live in the most wonderful Country in the world.

Some people might say that I bleed red, white and blue. I take that as a compliment. My patriotism is extremely important to me. Even when I was a kid, the National Anthem and the Marine Color Guard would be enough to make me choke up. Now, I only have to see that beautiful star-spangled banner blowing in the breeze to get teary eyed.

I have the distinct honor of working for the military. On occasion, I am able to go out to the colors ceremony. I promise you have never seen anything more beautiful than our flag being raised in front of the sun-sparkled Beaufort River. Standing there with my hand over my heart, listening to the National Anthem, Anchors Aweigh, and the Marine Corps Hymn; I can feel my heart swell with pride, love, and respect. There is no other place that I’d rather be than right there, right then.

We put up a flagpole in our front yard. We just bought a brand new flag on Flag Day, so the colors are vibrant. The other night, a storm was blowing in, it was cooler outside, and so I grabbed a book, a glass of water, and sat on my front porch in the rocking chair. I tried to read, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of Old Glory waving in the breeze. It was such a feeling of peace.

So, on this 4th of July, I just want to say that we are SO blessed to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

God bless the United States of America!