PRIDE
by: Linda Ellis (c) 1998

Some say American pride is declining

and patriotism is falling apart,

but I believe that it’s embedded deep

in each and every American heart.

For that is where loyalty starts

and love for our country stays.

We all feel pride at different times

in many different ways.

For some it’s when children recite

the pledge of allegiance they are learning,

or when they see the touching films

of our P.O.W.’s returning.

Or witnessing the first shuttle launched

after the Challenger exploded.....

or the pride and satisfaction they feel

shortly after they have voted.

And in our most hastened moment,

it fills our hearts with ease

to stop and watch the American Flag

gently flying in the breeze.

There are images in our history

that make us feel angry…..or sad

like little John-John standing to salute

at the funeral of his dad.

For several it sparks a renewed pride

in our country and our nation

as they watch the Air Force pilots fly

in "missing man" formation.

And the people filled with emotion

who’ve gotten on their knees to crawl

to read the names of soldiers engraved

on the bottom of The Wall.

Or watching cartons being packed

by the Red Cross and caring groups

as they’re being loaded to fly overseas

to our dedicated troops.

And the peaceful exchange of power

when a new President has been elected

in a ceremony that shows how much

his predecessor is respected.

There are those who visit Arlington

and stand in awe to stare…..

at the white crosses lined up perfectly

for the heroes buried there.

And have you ever seen a large crowd

stand in such a silent manner

as when they face a waving flag and sing

our beloved Star Spangled Banner??

And we’re all filled with emotion

when the radio stations play

Lee Greenwood’s heartfelt version of

"God Bless the USA….."

I can sum up all the paragraphs

that are written in this poem…..

Just by saying "God Bless America….

My Home........Sweet.....…Home......."

So this year before the fireworks,

let’s bow our heads to pray....

and thank God for America

on this Independence Day!

Linda Ellis

Linda’s Lyrics