Songs and poems are often written in honor of those who are deemed heroic. It's no different from the ancient days of the Aenid to now. We still honor our worthy. They, knowing the risk involved, choose to serve their country and defend it against "enemies domestic and abroad." They often shrug off our thanks for their service but it cannot be given enough. They are our heroes and defenders of our freedom. They put their feet to our beliefs. They are our soldiers, our veterans.
We are blessed to live in a country that still maintains a volunteer army. We do not have a forced or feigned patriotism in our country. It is a banner easily picked up and free to all. Patriotism is still a freedom in our country. You can choose to not be a patriot but still enjoy the freedoms long fought for since the days of our Continental Army. We are still a free land. Why? Because of our veterans.
We often overlook the secondary verses to many of our patriotic songs. One of my favorites is "America the Beautiful." Verses 4 & 5 are ones that I have loved since the day my brother went off to war. I am proud to say I come from a long line of veterans, men who stood up and did the right thing.
O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
Thank you to all the veterans in my life, I appreciate your sacrifice.
By Elizabeth Rozier
Patriot and Daughter of the American Revolution
