I watched this video, and thought maybe others might be inspired by it as well.  It’s actor Sam Elliott (unforgettable voice from most notably, “A Star is Born”,) paying tribute to one of the Americans who came ashore at Normandy.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdzWRdZgan0

It’s a really moving tribute to the men of that generation, and a perfect video to think about on this day of our country’s independence.

I realize that I’m older and out of step with today’s reality, but hope you’ll understand when I say that I love this country, with all of its warts, and understand that our history  defines us.

I can’t listen to the National Anthem without crying, and I don’t know why, maybe because it’s talking about with the “bombs bursting in air,” and “our flag was still there,” in wartime.   I listened to the telling of that day on Normandy Beach, and I think about the men and women who have put their lives at dire risk so our flag is still here.  And although it’s every American’s right to kneel before the flag, I would never consider doing it, as it would be dishonoring those who have lost their lives in service of the flag and the Anthem.

I am hoping that whoever reads this understands that this is only my opinion, and on this day when we celebrate our Independence, we take a minute to reflect on what it’s cost, in terms of those who’ve come before us, to be Americans.

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