9-11 and the changes in our country

Like most Americans I did have numerous chances this last weekend to observe the various rememberances and solemn ceremonies related to the 10th anniversary of 9-11.
I watched these ceremonies with the reverence and understanding that things in this country are NOT like they were when I was a child.
When I was a child there was patriotism and a sense of comfort amoung Americans. We were the big dogs on the block and we were comfortable in knowing that we were doing the right things within the world. Even though there were struggles in our own society we were a pretty secure people.
All that changed on September 11, 2001.
I remember exactly where I was when this event unfolded.
I had just stopped home to attend to my father that morning and the news was on detailing the first crash into the WTC. I stood there watching the news and could not believe how someone could make such a mistake as to fly into a massive skyscraper in broad daylight.
I was on the phone to my wife and watching the news broadcast when the second plane struck the other building. I knew then that the first crash was no accident.
I do remember that all I could say was "Oh my god, I can't believe this". I stood there with my dad and just absolutely could not believe what I was seeing.
I, like so many other Americans, really had no idea how this event would shape our culture for the forseeable future from this point on.

In World War 2, the Japanese dared not attack America on our own shores. They were assured that the typical American citizen would not just blindly stand by and let such an event occur without swift and sure retribution. We were still the big dog.

Now we have been shown that there are groups and nations out there that not only despise us for our culture and freedoms, but seek to destroy those very things that we hold precious in our daily lives.
They have taken much, but not all from us. They have not taken the American spirit and the willingness to stand up to this type of action.
George Bush said that "They will hear us very soon" and he was correct. I firmly believe that this nation is the greatest on the globe and we need to find the way to get back to being the big dog on the block.
The surge of patriotism and comraderie that occured after the attacks on the WTC was really something to behold. I saw a small glimmer of that this weekend but I wish truly that this would be the norm in our daily lives. We need to be proud of being Americans each and every day. Being a patriot and defending our country should not need ceremony and a special occasion. We should be vigilant and defensive of our culture and way of life each and every day.
I was truly moved by the victims of the tragedy and acts of terrorism that day like many other Americans and I will never forget the innocent victims of that act.
I personally wish for something more to come out of this. I want all Americans to remember that there were many others sacrificed and many others that fought bravely and gave everything prior to that day and there are still many that still do this each and every day just for our right to be FREE!
Freedom isn't Free is more than just words. It is a fact of being the leader in the quest to be the greatest nation in the world.
Yes there are those that despise us and wish us evil, but the American patriotic spirit will never be hidden behind closed doors.
Be proud of your freedom, but remember it does have a price.

Small town America

Well, it is no secret that I was born in a small town and the appreciation I have for them never goes away.
I spent my Saturday with my sweetie and our Hotrod in a small town called Coalville.
The simplicity of small towns and the friendliness of those that live there makes me remember much simpler times in life. We really need to remember these things. Remember that we are all from the same country and be good and kind to each other.
Small town America should not be a thing of the past found only in books. The closeness and the compassion for one another should be a much more prevalent thing in todays society.

Only in America!!

Just like most of you I spent the 4th of July with family and friends. Enjoying the pleasures that can only be appreciated in a society that is truly Free to do what we choose.
I got one of the Hotrods out of the garage and went to a car show with my sweetie and enjoyed the company of many people that were there celebrating the freedoms we all sometimes take for granted.
It was distrubing though that the event was not started off with a traditional flag raising ceremony and the presentation of the colors. We didn't even have that part of the event until later in the evening prior to the start of the demolition derby and then it was fantastic.
I understand that I hold values and expectations that are sometimes a little old fashioned but those are the values that I was raised with and so are traditionally what I expect.
I do not take my freedom for granted and I hope those that read my blog snd support me in my lofty goal can understand that we all have a responsibility to protect those freedoms and rights that we hold precious.
My view is not one that all share, but it is who I am. I am an American, patriot, dad, parent and husband.
I only ask that we all remember how we get the freedom to do what we choose.

Happy Independance Day!!!

To all Americans, Happy Independance Day!!
Enjoy the long celebration and be proud to be in the "Land of the free and home of the brave".
Remember, Freedom isn't Free and we still need to vigilant to protect it and all of America for our children.
Be proud and be loud, this is OUR Countries birhtday!!!!

Only in America

I spent the weekend enjoying the freedoms that we have in this country. I went to 2 different car shows and attended the 15th Anniversary celebration at the local drag strip.
It is wonderful to see the patriotic celebration that accompanies these type of events.
There are so many countries that do not have the freedom to enjoy such an activity and it is certainly taken for granted by so many.
Freedom isn't free, is more than a slogan. We need to appreciate the freedoms we have here every day and really appreciate the sacrifices borne by those before us that have enabled us to do the things we do.
I never fail to be inspired when I hear the national anthem and see our flag raised over these events. It is our responsibility to be respectful and reverent when the colors are presented as well as to understand that America is the greatest nation on the globe.
Be happy to be an American, and always be proud.