Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day



As we pause today to honor and memorialize those who have made sacrifices to make and keep our country free, I thought you might enjoy the following little piece. This was written by the son of a friend. This child is 8 years old and wrote this in response to a teacher's request to write about "What America Means To Me". The teacher was so impressed, he was asked to read his response to an audience at a school musical last week. Oh, that the so-called adults of this country could have but an ounce of the patriotism this second grader has!



What does America mean to me?

In America , we have the right
to not only want a better life
but to achieve it;

We have the right to question our leaders
and replace them with better ones;
we have the right to reach for the moon.

We have more rights than most citizens
of most other countries
and yet we take those rights
for granted and fail to appreciate them
and the brave men and women
who have died protecting those rights.

We may not be perfect as a country
but if you knock us down,
we'll get back up again
and be stronger for the experience.

That's what America means to me.


I don't know about you, but when I read that, it makes me proud to be an American! Proud to know that I live in a country where second graders can express their views about our country and our government, without fear of retribution.




It also makes me proud that those liberties have been protected and preserved by brave men and women across the centuries. And, even as I type, there are wonderful men and women on foreign soil and right here at home who are still protecting those rights!

My nephew-in-love, Brian, with some Iraqi children.
Brian did a tour of duty in Iraq between Dec., 2004 and Dec., 2005.
Brian is an Army Medic with the Iowa National Guard

This is my Daddy, Van P. McDonald.
Daddy served with the U.S. Army in Germany between 1953 - 1955.
Daddy was the leader of a squad of sharp shooters;
what we now commonly know as snipers.


May God go with all those men and women who protect and serve. May He guide their steps and bring them home safely to their families. May He be with their families who wait so patiently for their return. May He give them strength for their journey and comfort for their aching hearts.

13 comments:

Heidi Pocketbook said...

Enjoyed this post, especially the essay by the 8 yr. old, the cartoon and the pic of your dad in uniform.

I hope you are having a good Monday.

Samantha said...

Touching tribute, I am so thankful for those who gave their lives and those that continue to give their service for our freedoms, love the poem, so proud to be an American !
Hugs and blessings to you sweet Diane, have a wonderful day !

Trish said...

I am proud to be an American and with second graders like this young man...what a future this land holds.
Today, I too am thankful, for all who have served and those on foreign soil...serving still.
God bless America!
Love,
trish

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

I am a proud Conservative American. My #1 Son served in Germany from 1984-1987, he to was a leader of a Sniper Unit.
God Bless America and keep us safe.
Molly

Keetha Broyles said...

I especially like the American Idol cartoon.

Grandma Elsie said...

I like your post to honor our families who have served our country. Your Dad reminds me of my fear hubby when he was in uniform...
Elsie <><

Pat said...

This is a wonderful post Diane, I loved seeing the pictures of your Dad and Brian...both heros. It just doesn't seem like one day a year is enough recognition, does it? May God bless those who are serving and those who have served to keep this country the land that we love...the greatest on earth!

Pam said...

This is a great post to remind us how thankful we should be for our freedom. I think lots of people have lost sight of this.
Hugs,
Pam

Angela said...

What a great tribute to our soldiers that little boy wrote! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Hugs,
Angela

bj said...

What a great post, Di. And, my, but your daddy was a handsome fella.
Oh, my heart hurts when I hear everyone talking bad about my Pres. George W. I know he made some mistakes...some pretty big...but in my heart, I know he was a true Christian and loved his country and the people in it. He did his best to keep us safe.
Now, as you know, I am sure not a Democrat nor did I vote for Obama. I decided right from the start, however, I would try my best to suport his as our Pres., knowing I would NEVER support some of his beliefs...abortion for one.

The Raggedy Girl said...

Lovely post, perfectly written, my dear friend.

The Raggedy Girl

Kathy P said...

Love the cartoons... perfect.

My dad served in WWII too... thank goodness for those who sacrificed!

Mrs. Mac said...

There is such a precious cost for our freedoms. Some give freely of themselves for such freedom. Others don't acknowledge or appreciate what they have. I enjoyed reading this post, Diane