To Be an American
When I was a little girl, we stood in class with our hands held
over our hearts and said the Pledge of Allegiance. I never
thought much about it as it was part of a daily 'routine'. I
don't even think I comprehended what it meant.
Patriotism, until September 11, 2001, was just a word to me. I
knew I loved my country and was thankful to live here, but being
an American didn't evoke the feelings within me that it does
today.
Today, I think I know for the first time what it feels like to
be an American. And I'm proud.
I am proud to be an American when I see such bravery in the face
of incomprehensible disaster. I am proud to be an American when
I witness strangers holding their hands out to one another and
offering their hearts. I am proud to be an American when I see
the American flag everywhere and I think to myself, "That's my
country -- our country."
And, I am proud to be an American when I see masses of people
reach out to God together in prayer. Prayer for those who have
lost. Prayer for those who are assisting and breaking their
backs to do whatever they can to help. Prayer for our military
as they defend this great country of ours.
I can honestly say that it took this terrible disaster to make
me realize, truly realize how very blessed we all are to be
living in this country. It also made me feel much more connected
as a nation and as a planet. I am not wishing that this tragedy
ever happened, so please don't misunderstand. But, I was
literally jolted from life as I knew it and suddenly realized
what was at stake and what we lost. It made me value the United
States of America more than I ever have in my life.
We are a changed nation -- a changed world. I am a changed
person.
We are reaching out to strangers when we may not have before. We
cry for those we do not know because we share the common bond of
being Americans. Yes, we are also fearful. But, through the
thick fog of fear we are lighting a candle within ourselves. The
candle of hope -- and it's shining brightly for the entire world
to see.
We are sharing in our faith like we never have before. It
matters not what denomination we are -- what matters is that we
are holding tight to the belief that God will get us through
this and I see it every day. In candle light vigils. On the
television. On cars driving down the street with flags blowing
proudly in the wind. In public places where people are gathering
to pray, unashamed of their faith and eager to display it. In
store windows where there are signs that simply say, "Pray."
"God bless America. Land that I love. Stand beside Her, and
guide Her." That song now has meaning to me, where before it was
simply a song.
In the depths of my heart I know what it feels like to be an
American and I do love this country and its people with all my
heart. I ask God to bless us all, to bless the world, to protect
everyone from acts of terror and destruction, and to once again
bless America.