Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Patriotism

At this time of the year, patriotism is fairly easy to find.
This year I found patriotism while overlooking the river at sunset,
While listening to the West Point band play the National Anthem,
the service songs of each branch of the military and the 1812 Overture.
I found patriotism in the newly shorn heads of the new cadets.
Just babies, really, at the beginning of their military careers.
And in the crowds of people gathered together to party and to celebrate.

And I found it as I stood in the midst of all these people and heard them sing that they'd
"gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today"
knowing that most of them are doing exactly that.

Those aren't just words... they are a promise that they are living every single day.

 
Photobucket

19 comments:

koreen (aka: winn) said...

Wow, Colleen. Powerful words. :)

Ashley Sisk said...

WOW indeed.

Susan said...

Well said. What an amazing post and pictures!

Unknown said...

Such amazing shots..

Suburban Girl said...

Wow, great post. (My daughter's boyfriend leaves for basic training in less than 2 weeks!)

Caseybumpinalong said...

Wow! Amazing captures! What a gorgeous setting for a concert!

deb duty said...

Oh wow! I would have loved to have been there. I love the songs of the military. Beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing this wonderful experience.

4 Lettre Words said...

WOW...what a great place, Colleen! That had to be amazing.

Anonymous said...

The shorn heads and white uniforms make such a powerful statement!

Unknown said...

You gave me MAJOR chills with this! WOW! That first photo is almost unreal. Amazing!!

Brooke said...

WOW Colleen..... this is PATRIOTISM at its finest!!!! You nailed it ;D

Katie said...

Wow! I thought I'd pop over to see some pretty pictures, but I got so much more than that! Your words are so moving and make me appreciate our military that much more.

Gina Kleinworth said...

What moving captures! They say so much!

EMily said...

Wow. What a place to be for the celebration of Independence Day. Excellent shots!

MeaganMusing said...

Wow! What a great experience. You really captured patriotism with these!

Stillmary said...

What a great subject this is that keeps me in tears with every post I read. I love yours so much! My sons are in the military and your pictures and words are so moving and true. Awesome awesome post!

Miggy said...

love this! makes you really appreciate our soldiers defending us and our country.

Grammie/Mom said...

I was moved to tears reading this patriotic post. So moved I couldn't comment until now. Your last paragraph with the words to the song...powerful. Every time I hear it(the song)I get chills.

TheDayleigh said...

Lovely photos. We were really hoping this would be our next duty station, but alas, it was not to be. We still visit plenty though! :)