America the Beautiful…

For a Grand Old Lady she sure looks good at 240 years old! All decked out in spangles, stars, and stripes- Red, white and blue ruffled bunting- she’s deserves a party! She’s survived natural disasters, economic depressions and wars. One war came very close to dividing our country in two.. That one broke her heart. I wonder what she thinks nowadays about her bickering children? United we stand, divided we fall, y’all. She’s given us so much freedom. We must never confuse our rights and privileges with our duties and responsibilities to serve Old Glory.  We are free, we are independent yet- dependent on one another to remain strong. It means something to sing- ‘and crown Thy good, with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.’ Our loyalty to this beautiful Lady, America, must include all. Lady Liberty still stands on Ellis Island, beckoning –‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…’

We show our gratitude best, when we respect one another, when we treat each other as family, when we debate without being disagreeable or rude. So, let’s throw a party for America and prove our love for this Grand ol’ Lady! Show your love for Old Glory by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance- ‘…One Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all!’ Turn off the bad news, light some sparklers or candles, then sing about her Beauty ‘from sea to shining sea.’ America, may God continue to ‘shed His Grace on Thee…’

Happy Fourth of July from Camellia’s Cottage!

Love y’all, Camellia

*America the Beautiful was written atop Pike’s Peak by a school teacher named Katherine Lee Bates in 1913

*quote from the Statue of Liberty- written by Emma Lazarus- image from the official Statue of Liberty site- https://www.nps.gov/stli/

My undying gratitude to Jeremy Miniard for one of my all time favorite photos- the Patriotic Porch- http://www.jeremy-miniard-fineartamerica.com – use only with permission

If you still need some inspiration- the ever famous iconic Southern boy, Elvis Presley singing- An American Trilogy!