A song

Last week I kind of felt like I should post something relating to the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. I refrained because I know so many others were impacted by the attacks, far more and a different way, than I. Some have relatives who were killed or injured. Many are serving, or know some who are serving, overseas right now in the aftermath of the attacks. So I feel that my emotions on the event and its anniversary are, although very real and very strong, are not unique or even much worth communicating. But although I'm still not going to talk about it much, and although I'm a bit tardy, I've decided simply to post the lyrics of Lee Greenwood's famous "God Bless the USA." This song holds special and intense meaning for me as my dad served in the Air Force for over 21 years. It was sung at his retirement ceremony as an officer in full navy dress and white gloves walked slowly down the aisle holding a folded American flag. I rarely shed a tear for any occasion, but don't think there was a dry eye in the auditorium that evening, mine included. (I've also heard this song played at a Nebraska Cornhuskers spring game, over a montage of Iraqi war footage and a falling, crumbling Saddam statue.) You've probably heard it many times before. But I hope it never loses its meaning to anyone...so take the time to read it again. (Next: The Spider Story!)

If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife,
I'd thank my God above to be living here today.
Cause the flag still stands for freedom
And they can't take that away.

'Cause I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me
And I'll gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee
Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea
From Detroit down to Houston, and New York to L.A.
There's pride in every American heart, and it's time we stand and say

That I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me
And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA