Happy Birthday, America

I find the Fourth of July a bittersweet holiday - perhaps I'm the only one.  But while I'm reminded on this day how lucky I am to be an American, I'm also thinking about those who have come before me and gave everything so that I could live free.  I'm so grateful to be here, but I owe everything to those we remember on Memorial Day.

I had originally planned to embed the videos here, but my techno not-smartness intervened so follow the link:

The National Anthem

Two more amazing videos after the jump.

This is my favorite version of the National Anthem ever.  Maybe it is because I grew up listening to Motown with my mother. 

My favorite version of the National Anthem ever.

And finally, this song isn't our National Anthem, but I think you'll agree with me that sometimes it might as well be!  I've seen people get more teared up hearing this song than any other...

Proud to be an American

Have a happy and blessed Fourth of July.  I'm so proud to be "related" to all of you in our military family!

Comments

[Penny]

Happy 4th of July!!

~ You're right about tearing up for the song "Proud to be an American", Dh and I were driving cross country in '06 when he heard this song on the radio, we were quiet for a second then we both started singing it at the top of our lungs.. Turns out, we didn't know if the other would sing it but we both did and that was incredible. I just can't help but sing along anytime I hear that song :)

[liberal army wife]

Oh, DH & I DETEST that song! but American Soldier by Toby Keith - much better.

LAW

[RedLegMeg]

I love both of the songs, but only tear up over "Proud to be an American". Not sure why it always chokes me up, but I do remember walking into some club at Ft. Sill for JD's graduation from Basic and that song was playing. Then looking over to see my honey for the first time in months...

[coastiewife_RN]

Last night during the fireworks, my DH and I were snuggled under the stars watching, as "Proud to be an American" played... followed closely by "What a wonderful world" It was spectacular. And, DH told me what the fireworks were supposed to symbolize. Maybe it was the reality of the whistles, bangs and crashes that really gave me a reality of the bombs and war and existing in that place. I'm not sure, but this was definitely the most moving and bittersweet 4th of July ever.

[coastiewife_RN]

Last night during the fireworks, my DH and I were snuggled under the stars watching, as "Proud to be an American" played... followed closely by "What a wonderful world" It was spectacular. And, DH told me what the fireworks were supposed to symbolize. Maybe it was the reality of the whistles, bangs and crashes that really gave me a reality of the bombs and war and existing in that place. I'm not sure, but this was definitely the most moving and bittersweet 4th of July ever.