PRIDE�1998

Some say American pride is declining and patriotism is falling apart,

but I believe that it's embedded deep in 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??
I can sum up all the paragraphs that are written in this poem�.. Just by saying "God Bless America�. My Home........Sweet.....�Home......."