I am curious how you might answer.
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Friday, July 11, 2008
What do you appreciate about the USA?
OK, I know that most of you would say that I am not the most patriotic person in the world. And without a doubt, you are probably right.
I do not believe that the flag belongs in a worship space
I am not a big fan of patriotic hymns (my favorite hymn is This Is My Song)
I am not a fan of the pledge of allegiance (but I do say it every week)
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5 comments:
Steve,
Before I lived in Brazil for almost five years, I would not have considered myself terribly patriotic. That sure changed during that time. I learned to appreciate the fact that in the United States of America I could speak without worrying about who was overhearing my conversation, I could make choices based on my preferences instead of abiding by customs and regulations based on my gender, I could speak in English, my native language, and know I would be understood and understand what was being said to, about, and around me.
The first time I had to go to the American consulate after being in Brazil three months, I took a cab. As the cab approached the consulate and I saw the huge American flag blowing in the wind, I truly felt like I was safe and at home. The Marine at the gate opened the cab door, hugged me, and said "Welcome home." I hope I never forget those words or that feeling when I saw that gorgeous flag flying over American property. While I loved my time in Brazil, I understood - finally -what it felt like to be an American and have pride in my country and the ideals it stands for. Even today, I cannot see a flag flying without feeling like I felt that day. To me, the U.S. will always be the land of the brave and the home of the free. May it always be so!
Diane
That last comment should read five months, not five years. OOPS!
Steve, I appreciate our freedom more than anything else about our country. I appreciate our heritage and the ideals that our forefathers founded our country on even though the politics of today make it hard to recgnize them.
More than anything else I appreciate that with our freedom I can believe in and worship God openly and without repercussion.
I can also question my religion and the bible without shame or guilt.
Pat
Hi Steve!
Having been in another country during a crisis situation, the thing I appreciate about the USA is security and freedom.
My husband and I were marooned in Cancun in 1988 when Hurricane Gilbert struck the Yucatan. We spent several days with little food, water or sanitary facilities. When we were finally rescued, and the pilot of our plane announced that we were passing over New Orleans and were in US territory, a cheer went up that lasted several minutes, with impromptu singing of "God Bless America" and assorted patriotic yells. It was such a feeling of safety and appreciation of everything we have and enjoy in this country.
js
Thanks Jean, I love your story. I think we all realize how much we love the good old US of A when we leave for awhile. I remember coming home from Haiti and having the same feelings that you describe.
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