God bless the usa

One of our local news stations took a poll on the most requested patriotic song on July 4th. There were great songs on the list: America the Beautiful, God Bless America, Stars & Stripes Forever, & others. It set my mind in motion; what is my favorite patriotic song? No, I don't know which song the citizens of Kansas City picked, but I do know what my favorite is: God Bless the USA.

I did not have the greatest attitude as I headed to work Friday. Yes, I had to work. I knew that I would be missing out on our family's traditional cookout & family games outside, but duty called. I had nothing to worry about. My family joined me at work to watch the fireworks show there. Mom brought me some of the food from the cookout. The 4th: a time for family, food, & fireworks. I didn't miss out on anything. God bless the USA!

Tonight I met a couple of friends in the theme park after work. I was finally able to enjoy some of the rollercoasters that I drive under almost daily. It was awesome to feel the knot in my stomach rise to my throat, to hear the lap-bar of each ride click into place, look out over the beauty of the park just before taking the pluge, & then screaming my head off with my hands held high. The highlight of the evening was going to a free concert by former American Idol singer, Phil Stacey. It was awesome, the guy really has talent. There were so many good songs I want to share, but the one that silenced the crowd was God Bless the USA. The crowd of about 250 went mute as the former seaman sang about his country.

Take a minute & just think about the song, the lyrics are listed below. Phil Stacey changed just two words from the lyrics of the original song, but I think he changed it for the better. Instead of saying "lucky stars" he sang "Lord above"--I think it fits the song much better, don't you? Before long you will realize that we are blessed & we need to continue to pray that God will bless the USA.

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God Bless the USA

by Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone,

I'd worked for all my life

And I had to start again,

With just my children & my wife.

I'd thank my lucky stars,

To be livin' here today

'Cause the flag still stands for freedom

And they can't take that away.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Chorus

And I'm proud to be an American

Where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died,

Who gave that right to me

And I gladly stand up,

next to you & defend her still today.

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land

God bless the USA.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

From the lakes of Minnesota

To the hills of Tennessee,

Across the plains of Texas

From sea to shining sea

From Detroit down to Houston

And New York to L.A.

Well, there's pride in every American heart,

And it's time we stand & say...