A History Lesson for the Fourth of July

[Steve Whitlock]

(06-30-2021 07:36 AM)Gene C Wrote:  A nice song to help you appreciate what this country stands for, and what we need to continue as individuals to stand for.

Dear America by Ray Stevens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDvhbRJdLnw

I began this morning with an unexpected need to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". As my chest swelled and eyes welled it reminded me of my most patriotic feeling.

The year was 1965 and I was stationed at Clark Air Base in the P.I. At a nite club in Angeles City the hour was late and suddenly the band played "God Bless America". Without conscious thought suddenly I was on my feet, along with all the other American G.I's, tears in my eyes, hand over heart, or in a crisp salute, not mumbling the words, but belting out at full voice, "God Bless America, Land that I love".

Later I wondered where that came from, when so seldom manifested back in the USA.