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Joyce E Bowling, click here
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Browsing through some of my older writings I stumbled upon this article today and thought it would be appropriate to post considering the holiday at hand.
Joyce Bowling Written July 26th 1999 ©November 11th 2006
Proud to be An American!
Patriotism…what does it mean? Webster defines it as; To love one’s country. Dwayne Armstrong, a dear friend of mine and a World War II veteran states, "It means to be true, believe in your country and fellowman, and be willing to fight for your country!"
As I began writing, I realized that I must do some real soul searching to define and find these answers. I knew that loved my country, but I wanted to be able to say why?
I am clothed and am not trying to piece bits of rags together for clothing; I am not hungry and waiting in hopes that I might receive a small portion of mush or grain to quiet my rumbling stomach. I have a roof above me, a soft warm bed to sleep in, and clean drinking and bathing water, unlike many in other countries.
I can travel with ease, from beautiful Florida beaches to the beautiful Georgia plantations. I can walk around my own farm water my vegetables, fish from my pond, feed my goats, and spend free time with my family. I am not confined or held captive without hopes of ever seeing our beautiful world. I am not living under the leadership of a dictator telling me when, why, and where I may and may not go. I have the freedom to worship and speak, as well as the opportunity to be whatever I want to be.
Upon searching for the meaning of patriotism and what America means to me, I realized that our forefathers and veterans have given me all of these things that I have spoken of, and so much more. They have given each American their independence and freedom!
I must agree with Webster when he defined Patriotism: "To Love One’s Country." I too believe that to love our country we must remain, dedicated, loyal, supportive, faithful and believe in it. We must respect our country and give to it, not take away. We are truly blessed to be American’s and to have inherited such a wonderful land, that God created just us. I as one American want to give back as much as I have inherited and more! God bless America and our soldiers from the past and present!
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| Reviewed by Myles Saulibio |
12/12/2008 |
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After 3 years in Afghanistan---I stand taller...thank you.
Aloha and Mahalo
Myles |
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| Reviewed by Randall Barfield |
4/21/2007 |
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| loving and heart-felt tribute. thanks for sharing it. |
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| Reviewed by Michelle Kidwell Power In The Pen |
3/5/2007 |
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I too am Proud to An American, and I love that song, thank you for sharing your beautiful article, and I look forward to purchasing your book when it comes out
God Bless
Michelle~ |
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| Reviewed by David Thompson |
12/10/2006 |
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| I love every word you penned in "Proud to be an American!" and the order and manner in which you stated them. I can sense your patriotism to the core and thankful for citizens such as you who are not ashamed to stand up and express their inner feelings for this wonderful country of ours. Many take the U.S. for granted and sometimes speak harsh words against her. They should, instead, realize that the eyes of the world are upon us, watching our every movement daily; therefore, we should always behave in a way that we can be proud to say, "I am an American." |
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| Reviewed by MaryGrace Patterson |
11/30/2006 |
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| An excellent article ! I wish everyone could read it. We don't realize how lucky we are ! ........M |
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| Reviewed by E. Lucas-Taylor |
11/13/2006 |
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| A wonderful article, Joyce. |
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| Reviewed by Loretta Scott |
11/13/2006 |
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| It is the continue support of you that lies the force witin us to complete, and steadfast our mission. Thank you |
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| Reviewed by Louisa Dobbins |
11/13/2006 |
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This is the reason we serve.
Louisa |
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| Reviewed by Beverly Mahone |
11/12/2006 |
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Wow! This was written 7 years ago and it still holds true today as it did back then. Very nicely written!
Peace & Blessings,
Beverly Mahone |
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| Reviewed by CJ Heck |
11/11/2006 |
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This is such a beautiful and patriotic write, Joyce. No one could have said it better, no one.
Love,
CJ |
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| Reviewed by Rusty Daily |
11/11/2006 |
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Joyce, thank you for this write. It says what I have not been able to put in words myself.
Rusty |
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