God Bless the USA!

Read Time - 2 Minutes

Like many of you, my eyes tear up when I listen to Lee Greenwood’s song, “God Bless the U.S.A.”  His new version with Home Free and the United States Air Force Band only intensifies my emotions.   As I listen to the song, images flash through my mind, reminding me of our freedom – including its blessings, its cost, and its struggles. 

I have seen the lakes of Minnesota, driven through the hills of Tennessee, made my way across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea.  From Detroit down to Houston, from New York to LA, I have seen the pride in every American heart, and I stand and say, “God Bless the U.S.A.”

But our freedom does not come without a cost, as I was reminded (with tears in my eyes) as men and women from the Air Force sang with Lee Greenwood and Home Free.   I have seen the cost when walking the battle fields of the Revolutionary war, visiting the sunken war ships at Pearl Harbor, or reading the headstones of U.S. military buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  But nothing moves me more than seeing pictures of silence and respect as flag-draped caskets of military men and women are honored as their remains are unloaded today on tarmacs across America. 

This July 4th marks 244 years of independence.  It is an independence that we can celebrate, but not take lightly.  It is an independence that allows freedom of expression, despite differing viewpoints.  It is an independence that should bring unity in times of division.

When you see an American flag this weekend, stop for a minute and reflect on the freedom we have.    And, as we enjoy our Independence Day, take time to pray for God’s continued blessing on America.  Despite our internal challenges, we are blessed with independence – our freedom.

Doug Hanson, MBA

Wealth Advisor