May The Fourth Be With You

I love the Fourth of July.  While I'm Canadian by birth, I've been in the states for a long time and year after year I am bowled over by the level of patriotism I feel from Americans.

After 9/11, you could see thousands of people at the military recruiting offices standing in line, standing for what they believed in.  Defending their country.

You could see thousands of people standing in lines at blood banks, standing for what they believed in.  Helping their fellow man with their own blood if need be.

You could see acres and acres of American flags down every street and down every road as they flew from vehicles driving down the freeway.  People showing what they believed in.  Their home.  Their country.

Some around the world say America has much to learn as it is such a young country. I say it has the vitality of youth and the daring brashness to defend its liberty. To say justice belongs to all men. To say that here on this soil, the pursuit of happiness is your right.

While I love the family get-togethers, the tug of wars, pie-eating contests, and three legged races, the cook-outs, lemonade and the idea of hotdogs (even though I can't seem to eat a hotdog), what I love most about this country are the people.  These amazing people so fiercely loyal and so generous of spirit.  The true-blue patriotism you show when the national anthem is sung and those F-14's fly overhead.  The thunderous applause and cheers you let loose to show your appreciation.  It sends goosebumps down my arms each time I witness this.

So, thank you, my boisterous, loving American friends, for welcoming me here all those years ago.  I love living here and couldn't imagine calling any other country home.