My country, 'tis of Thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty
Of Thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrim's pride,
From every mountain side
Let Freedom ring.
Sweet Land of Liberty
Of Thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrim's pride,
From every mountain side
Let Freedom ring.
~
On my way home the other afternoon I ventured up the hill in search of some flowers to photograph.
What I found seemed just as natural; one of the essences of summer in America - patriotism.
Upon returning from Japan last year, Allyson remarked that in addition to other cultural adjustments (i.e., they do not talk on subway trains in Japan), she had never really appreciated the degree to which Americans are unparalleled in our display of patriotism. Most of her life has been post-911, a tragedy that brought out a show of patriotism that had not been shown since WWII. The sight of an American Flag hanging from every house had become so common it was no longer obvious. I have to say that even though it is so common, moments like stumbling across a neglected cemetery sprinkled with American Flags makes my heart swell with patriotism. And summer, with its ball games, vacation bible schools, picnics, family gatherings, and Independence Day
make the season ripe to celebrate.
A privilege so common and innate; a privilege that is priceless.
What I found seemed just as natural; one of the essences of summer in America - patriotism.
Upon returning from Japan last year, Allyson remarked that in addition to other cultural adjustments (i.e., they do not talk on subway trains in Japan), she had never really appreciated the degree to which Americans are unparalleled in our display of patriotism. Most of her life has been post-911, a tragedy that brought out a show of patriotism that had not been shown since WWII. The sight of an American Flag hanging from every house had become so common it was no longer obvious. I have to say that even though it is so common, moments like stumbling across a neglected cemetery sprinkled with American Flags makes my heart swell with patriotism. And summer, with its ball games, vacation bible schools, picnics, family gatherings, and Independence Day
make the season ripe to celebrate.
A privilege so common and innate; a privilege that is priceless.
***
Linking up with
Wonderful image. I have always admired the patriotism in the USA. Something we seem to have lost in the UK and ony ever find during sporting events.
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful!
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful sentiment and love the flags around this old gravestone.
ReplyDeleteSuch a day is just around the corner. Fly those flags on Flag Day!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty ~ and I am always struck by the flags when I visit cemeteries. Such a reminder of how many men and women over the years have lived and died with my freedom as their life's purpose.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely image of the old cemetery. Tom The Backroads Traveller
ReplyDeleteWent a classic scene...love it.
ReplyDeleteSo true! We are a very patriotic country. Love hearing the cultural thoughts you share via your daughter.
ReplyDeleteWe are so fortunate to have the freedoms we do!! after 9/11 we, as a country, realized it even more. Your image speaks volumes to that!!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, the singing of the national anthem before a baseball game ALWAYS makes my heart swell. thanks for sharing at Song-graphy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful one!
ReplyDelete