Memorial Day 2010

A good dose of patriotism never hurts.  I've been watching old WWII movies on TCM and AMC the last couple of days.  I don't care so much for those promoting hatred for the enemy; we were "the enemy," too.  That never solves anything.  But I love the sense of pride in country, the heroism of the troops, the caring and love of the brotherhood in these black-and-white films.  It's easy to become disillusioned with government and to bemoan our loss of status in the world, but if America is known for anything, I think it is an inherent sense of optimism...the opinion that we can "make it better."  (And sometimes that gets us into trouble.)  I was taught as a child to stand at attention whenever the flag passed by and whenever I heard The Star-spangled Banner, even if that song came on the radio in our own living room.  I still get goosebumps every week, watching the opening ceremonies of a NASCAR race.  I abhor war anywhere, and I wish there weren't the reason for Memorial Day, but America and all she stands for is worth defending and I thank God for all those who thought so too.  It's daylight now, and I'm going out to hang my Stars and Stripes...it's the only way I know to say 'thank you.'