Proud To Be An American

Let me tell you ... I am proud to be an American ... proud I live in Gainesville, Hall County, Northeast Georgia. Last weekend was Memorial Day weekend, the day set aside in the United States to remember those who have given their lives that we all might live in freedom. There was a time in the 1960's, the 70's and the 80's when we in America observed Memorial Day as the time when school was out, Summertime activities began, stores had big sales, and here in Northeast Georgia the activities on Lake Lanier were launched. America was living through the massive anti-war headache called Vietnam, and Patriotism was not popular among a large percentage of our population. Some of that still exists in America, I am sorry to say, but if any of that attitude exists in Northeast Georgia it was not evident on this Memorial Day weekend of 2007. The people of this region were Patriotic, and proud of it. There were all kinds of events, and that is good. All kinds of people wore red-white-and blue and American flags were everywhere. But let me tell you why all this came to mind. There was a family on Green Street Memorial Day morning, well before the parade kicked off. A young man and his wife with three children, probably in the 6-to-9-year-old range. He was explaining what this parade was all about, and why he wanted them to remember growing up in a town where there was respect for the flag. And I noticed when the float depicting the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima passed by he told the oldest one to take a good look at that so he could explain it later. As far as I could see up and down Green Street there were families with children ... and I couldn't help but think: how great it is to live in a country with people like this.

This is Gordon Sawyer, and may the wind always be at your back.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2007/6/87748