PCN Opinion

Across America, I send wishes for a memorable and enjoyable 4th of July! I just spent the better part of four days at the State of Montana American Legion (and Auxiliary) Convention in Glasgow, Montana. Smack dab “in the middle of nowhere” as they are now claim to fame for. What a beautiful four days to spend in such a manner; and what better way to get inspired and fired up for this beautiful celebration of our independence! The colors of red, white and blue FAR outweigh my usual colors of black and blue and are such a welcome change.

There is something about patriotism that keeps me active in both the VFW Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary. The ALA pulls at my heart strings in that I am able to work with the “Juniors” of the group and we have plans for the upcoming year! Right now, I have five young ladies who are ages five, six, eleven, thirteen, and sixteen…and we would love to have girls who are age birth to 17 join us as we work to help our veterans in our various projects. The more, the merrier!

As we prepare our mind and thoughts for the November elections, keep in mind those in the political arena that are fighting for our veterans rights, services and benefits. We need strong men and women in our nation’s capital; pray for those running and may the Lord guide your decision.

Many changes are taking place, America is finding itself in strife across the continent and there seems to be a decay in the senses of obligation, trust and loyalty. The things that I (my age group, which isn’t as old as you think) took for granted without questioning included such things as manners, respect for others, respect AND appreciation for our parents, elders, grandparents and even self. Include on that list OUR VETERANS. Not one of us would be here without the dedication and sacrifices that these women and men made for us. They left behind families, missed a child’s first step, their first tooth, and may have even missed taking them out to bag and tag their first deer. Yet, this nation wants to weaken and not pay respect due to these people.

Where do we go to renew our love and appreciation for America? We start within our heart. We begin to believe again that America was and is worth fighting for. It is worth caring for and if we take a look at other countries…we should feel proud we live here!

This is a great country. Look at where we live. We can see for miles and the air we breathe in (for the most part) is clean and refreshing; granted…the days when the silage is being dumped in the truck, or the barnyard is cleaned do tend to alter that thought.

The freshness after a rain, the smell of wild flowers or sage or alfalfa create a memory you can keep from childhood to the day they cross our arms on our chest in thanksgiving for a good life lived. We still enjoy the sparkle of lights at night, without it being artillery, and there are those of us who enjoy the sound of silence. Even in our quiet times, we have a constant mini-reel of memories going on in our head…the time you were able to hug your grandpa one last time, or watched your mom wave as you and that ‘date’ left and you knew someone would be praying for your safety until you got home.

Then, do you recall how happy that 92-year-old man was when you stopped with cookies and wished him Happy Veterans Day? How about when you paid it ahead by sending someone down on their luck a card and a $20 bill…not mentioning the hardship you saw, but telling them how lucky you are by having them in your life and to go celebrate by getting the kids a cone and enjoy time with them.

Pride isn’t dead, it may be dormant in some but I think if you look around you will see so many things to be grateful for. And don’t forget, you are important to some, too. Give others someone to look at that says “I love America” when they see your smile. Then take that smile and pass it on. America needs to know there are still people who smile and love America for what it is. Blessings to you on this 4th of July…you’ll be glad you are an inspiration!