It is said that absence makes the heart grow fonder, so maybe it's that or maybe it's the reflective sentiment that seems to increase with age, or maybe it's simply the way it should be, but each time the Pledge of Allegiance is sworn or the Star Spangled Banner is sung, a lump forms in my throat and the corners of my eyes well up a bit. Living overseas has made us more appreciative of being from the US. With all her faults and idiosyncrasies, America is our earthly home and we are grateful. Tonight as we watched the scene above unfold, every able-bodied person standing at alert, hands over hearts, flags unfurling in the breeze and the beautiful words of the nation's anthem belted beautifully from home plate, we heartily joined along, a beautiful moment. Thank You to the Power that hath made and perserved us a nation!
O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between their lov’d home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with vict’ry and peace may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the power that hath made and preserv’d us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto - “In God is our trust,”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
