In Others’ Words: Defining Love of Country
I know the exact moment I became a patriot.
My husband was in the U.S. Air Force and “Uncle Sam” sent us to Turkey for two years. At that time, “us” included my husband, me, our five-year-old son, two-year-old daughter, and three-month old daughter.
Yes, the move overseas was quite the experience — and that’s another blog post.
Our first 4th of July in Turkey was not a typical celebration. Yes, we barbecued with friends. But the Turkish fireworks were, well, duds. And when the Explosive Ordinance Division (EOD) decided to use plastic explosives to create some big “BANGS!” they caught the grassy area on fire.
Yeah, that was fun.
But the moment the U.S. fighter jets took to the air — the sound of freedom, as Air Force families like to say — and a recording of “The Star Spangled Banner” played over the base intercom, I rose to my feet … and cried.
Standing there on foreign soil, far away from so much that was familiar, that was home … I was so, so proud to be an American. The passion of patriotism took root in my heart and has never left. Now, whenever I hear the “Star Spangled Banner,” I go back to that time, that place, and I remember when my husband was the military member serving overseas … and we were the military family … and I thank God for the military men and women — and their families — who are serving today.
In Your Words: What do the words “Love of Country” mean to you? What July 4th memories do you hold close to heart? Who do you know that is serving or has served in the U.S. military?
In Others’ Words: Defining Love of Country #InOthersWords #lifequotes #July4th
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What do the words “Love of Country” mean to you? #USA #July4th #lifequotes
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