From the Mountains, to the Prairies. ..

During my lifetime, (a mere 36 years) there have been more than enough international crisis that easily could have developed into World War 3.
In the early 90's, when Operation Desert Shield/Storm began, the Patriotism felt within our country was electric. We, as a nation,  supported our troops in their effort to not only help bring justice to the land effected by the disturbed actions of Saddam Hussein but, in doing that, defending OUR freedoms here at home.
Popular fashion quickly converted to combinations of Red, White and Blue...the Eagle would soar above sporting events and an influx of patriotic music began to flood the airways.
At the time, I was just beginning my performance career and some weeks, I was booked to sing the National Anthem 2-3 times at various events and meetings.
Fast forward 10 years.  The fear of an attack on OUR own soil became reality and, again, it was socially acceptable to be patriotic. We, as a nation prayed together,  asking God to help us stand firm and protect the Land that We Love.

Now, 13 years later -our great Nation (the Free World) is involved in a crisis. It is one that doesn't involve Middle Eastern terrorists, there aren't any weapons involved (well..none that are being used maliciously) and no land or territory is in question.  The conflict we are suffering through, right here on our own soil, is based on the principle of FREEDOM itself and what should be allowed as part of our freedom.
It seems as if the guidelines set forth by our forefathers aren't good enough for our left wing friends of the bipartisan political arena. We hear things like "those rules were created 200 years ago", "things are different now". The knee-jerk legislative reactions to isolated events involving an individual with mental health needs, is disturbing in the least and the illegal maneuvers within our checks and balances system has created such a rift between political parties it seems as if there is no resolution. Whereas our Nation was built with a 2 party model in mind,  this fact is dividing the very land that we call home. Is that what our forefathers intended to symbolize freedom?
Whether you like it or not, our Nation was founded, developed and has thrived as "One Nation Under GOD." Our financial freedom was strengthened "In God We Trust" and we, as Americans,  took an oath of allegiance for ONE Nation, under GOD, INDIVISIBLE with LIBERTY and JUSTICE for ALL.
We are ONE nation. We are not many. We were not created have sub - cultures that celebrate all that the "Mother Country" allows with the bonus prize of American Freedom. Real, Red American blood has already been shed on our soil to escape that! America didn't want to be known as "Little England"...and America doesn't want to be known as an amalgamation of "Little" countries now. We WANT to be AMERICA!
The nations that have created the citizens of this great American fondu pot have brought such unique and amazing people- rich in their own heritage and ethnic traditions.
Some of our early settlers came here through a voyage that they were lucky to even survive. BUT...they came here for the right to live free. Work for personal gain. Worship GOD freely and live a happy life without FEAR of the government or rights being eliminated. This great Nation,  fought for the Freedom of those brought here against their will to fulfill a practice carried over here from the European "Mother Countries". This war, again, fought on our own soil- shedding American blood to fight for "American" freedoms.
And yet...we are fighting a war again. Not to free ourselves from the indoctrination of another country, king or master. We are fighting to KEEP the freedoms that have already been earned. 
What baffles me though..."WE" are not fighting. "WE" are going about our days...occasionally bickering with a political opponent. But, "WE the PEOPLE" are NOT fighting for our country. Our rights. Our land. Our money. Our LEGACY.
Where is the patriotism?
Where are the flag t-shirts?
Where are the patriotic songs?

Instead- an overt display of patriotism- gone -viral earns a mother of 3, backlash so severe as a death wish for her baby?
Really, America?
Land of the free, Home of the brave?
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness?
We the People of the UNITED States, in order to form a more perfect union...?

Aren't you proud to live here?

Where is your allegiance?

SHOW it.  We have no problem wearing our colors during sporting events...how about EVERY. SINGLE. DAY?

I challenge you.  Be a Patriot!  Show your PRIDE and DEVOTION to your country!

FLY your flag!
SING our Nation's songs!
SPEAK well of your country!
SUPPORT YOUR TROOPS (they are YOURS! Thanks to America)
Get INVOLVED in your government,  not just when it's socially acceptable.  But  ALL the time.

Patriots tend to keep quiet because they are striving to live their INDEPENDENT,  PRIVATE lives- granted to us by our constitution. Where as the "change-seekers" are more vocal due to their younger age and access and knowledge of modern technology and social media.

Let's be VOCAL Americans! Let's SHOW our Patriotism and love for OUR country.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands ONE nation, under GOD, INDIVISIBLE with LIBERTY and JUSTICE for ALL!

Lord, protect our Nation as we continue to strive and live in the way YOU see fit.
Amen.