A Tribute to Those Who Deeply Love this Country

 

This particular Independence Day weekend, I feel especially moved by all those people who celebrate our heroes, to those who have fought or died to keep us free and by my own gratitude for living in this fine country. Although some people are not as moved by this song as I am, and by the people who sing it, I hope for just a couple of minutes you will put aside those thoughts and let yourselves simply immerse yourself in the words and music. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

.

Published in Culture
This post was promoted to the Main Feed by a Ricochet Editor at the recommendation of Ricochet members. Like this post? Want to comment? Join Ricochet’s community of conservatives and be part of the conversation. Join Ricochet for Free.

There are 32 comments.

Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.
  1. Jimmy Carter Member
    Jimmy Carter
    @JimmyCarter

    • #1
  2. Terri Mauro Inactive
    Terri Mauro
    @TerriMauro

    That’s beautiful, Susan, thanks for posting it! Got me tearing up.

    • #2
  3. Jim McConnell Member
    Jim McConnell
    @JimMcConnell

    Thank you for that reminder!

    • #3
  4. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Terri Mauro (View Comment):
    Got me tearing up.

    Yeah, it has that effect on me too! ;-)

    • #4
  5. Red Herring Coolidge
    Red Herring
    @EHerring

    It has special meaning to me. I did a one year remote in Korea and was homesick for my family. Lee Greenwood arrived and stayed several days to entertain us. Guys kept reporting how he was joining their pick-up games and was very assessable and friendly. One night, I was eating by myself in the 0-club and spotted him one table over eating by himself. I didn’t bother him – figured he needed his quiet time, too. 

    The highlight was his performance in our small base theater jammed full of patriotic, homesick airmen. I still get goosebumps when I hear him sing that song because of how I felt that night.

    • #5
  6. Hoyacon Member
    Hoyacon
    @Hoyacon

    Home run!.  Thanks.

    • #6
  7. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Wow. Wonderful story, Red.  Thanks.

    • #7
  8. Rodin Member
    Rodin
    @Rodin

    Lee Greenwood — American Treasure. 

    • #8
  9. Jim George Member
    Jim George
    @JimGeorge

    Susan Quinn: This particular Independence Day weekend, I feel especially moved by all those people who celebrate our heroes, to those who have fought or died to keep us free and by my own gratitude for living in this fine country. Although some people are not as moved by this song as I am, and by the people who sing it, I hope for just a couple of minutes you will put aside those thoughts and let yourselves simply immerse yourself in the words and music. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

    Susan, this was indescribably moving and I feel that anyone who watched this priceless video and did not tear up should get to an ER or his or her doctor for a complete systems check-up. I might also mention that as some members here are aware I am an almost fanatical devotee of the Blue Angels whose home base is NAS Pensacola and it is our great and good fortune to live about 45 minutes from the base. They usually practice twice a week, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and they perform very close to their actual full show maneuvers each time. It is a tradition to open each one of those sessions, as the Blues are taxiing by the viewers for their takeoff roll, to play this timeless song; the music and the setting are so powerful they never fail to bring tears to my eyes, and many others’ as well. 

    I join the others in thanking you for posting this moving tribute and wish you and Jerry a very Happy Fourth of July. 

    God Bless America!

    • #9
  10. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    I despise that ear worm of pathetic questionable patriotism.  At least he knows he’s free?  That’s it?  That’s all he admits to?  If I never hear it again, I’ll die happy. 

    • #10
  11. Jim George Member
    Jim George
    @JimGeorge

    Skyler (View Comment):

    I despise that ear worm of pathetic questionable patriotism. At least he knows he’s free? That’s it? That’s all he admits to? If I never hear it again, I’ll die happy.

    I can only hope this is a joke as I would hate to think ANYONE could be this unhappy and bitter about the Nation I love, for whom countless Patriots gave  their lives. Respectfully, Jim

    • #11
  12. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Jim George (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    I despise that ear worm of pathetic questionable patriotism. At least he knows he’s free? That’s it? That’s all he admits to? If I never hear it again, I’ll die happy.

    I can only hope this is a joke as I would hate to think ANYONE could be this unhappy and bitter about the Nation I love, for whom countless Patriots gave their lives. Respectfully, Jim

    He’s not bitter about the country, per se, Jim. He’s just bitter.

    • #12
  13. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Jim George (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    I despise that ear worm of pathetic questionable patriotism. At least he knows he’s free? That’s it? That’s all he admits to? If I never hear it again, I’ll die happy.

    I can only hope this is a joke as I would hate to think ANYONE could be this unhappy and bitter about the Nation I love, for whom countless Patriots gave their lives. Respectfully, Jim

    He’s not bitter about the country, per se, Jim. He’s just bitter.

    I’m not bitter at all.  This is a matter of musical taste, and that song is horrendous.  I hate his weaselly words to it and I can’t stand his trite singing.  The words to the song imply that America is screwed up, but he concedes that he’s free.  I strongly disagree.  America is wonderful and the best nation ever to exist in the history of mankind.  No qualifiers needed.

    • #13
  14. Rodin Member
    Rodin
    @Rodin

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Jim George (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    I despise that ear worm of pathetic questionable patriotism. At least he knows he’s free? That’s it? That’s all he admits to? If I never hear it again, I’ll die happy.

    I can only hope this is a joke as I would hate to think ANYONE could be this unhappy and bitter about the Nation I love, for whom countless Patriots gave their lives. Respectfully, Jim

    He’s not bitter about the country, per se, Jim. He’s just bitter.

    I’m not bitter at all. This is a matter of musical taste, and that song is horrendous. I hate his weaselly words to it and I can’t stand his trite singing. The words to the song imply that America is screwed up, but he concedes that he’s free. I strongly disagree. America is wonderful and the best nation ever to exist in the history of mankind. No qualifiers needed.

    Well, OK, then.

    • #14
  15. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Geez, Skyler, if you don’t like the music, that’s one thing. But you couldn’t have listened to the lyrics!

    “God Bless The USA”

    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 lucky stars to be livin’ here today
    ‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away

    And 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’d 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 LA
    Well, 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’d 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

    And 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’d 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

    • #15
  16. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Geez, Skyler, if you don’t like the music, that’s one thing. But you couldn’t have listened to the lyrics!

    “God Bless The USA”

    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 lucky stars to be livin’ here today
    ‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away

    And 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’d 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 LA
    Well, 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’d 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

    And 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’d 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

    Yeah, like anyone who’s been alive since he wrote this could have been able to escape the words.

    • #16
  17. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Skyler (View Comment):
    Yeah, like anyone who’s been alive since he wrote this could have been able to escape the words.

    ?? Maybe you should let it be before you dig yourself a deeper hole . . . 

    • #17
  18. Jim George Member
    Jim George
    @JimGeorge

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):
    Yeah, like anyone who’s been alive since he wrote this could have been able to escape the words.

    ?? Maybe you should let it be before you dig yourself a deeper hole . . .

    Our former and likely future President had one word which sums up these comments — especially on this very special day (will the Declaration of Independence be next?) — SAD. 

    • #18
  19. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):
    Yeah, like anyone who’s been alive since he wrote this could have been able to escape the words.

    ?? Maybe you should let it be before you dig yourself a deeper hole . . .

    Nope, I can continue to tell you and others that I hate that song for its poor patriotism and awful musicality.  Apparently only approved opinions are allowed now?

    • #19
  20. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Skyler (View Comment):
    Apparently only approved opinions are allowed now?

    Not at all. I just wonder where you are reading “poor patriotism” in the lyrics. Is asking for an explanation unacceptable or unpatriotic?

    • #20
  21. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):
    Apparently only approved opinions are allowed now?

    Not at all. I just wonder where you are reading “poor patriotism” in the lyrics. Is asking for an explanation unacceptable or unpatriotic?

    I’ve explained it several times, but I will try again.  He says “at least I know I’m free.”  That implies that in all other ways, it’s not a very nice place.  I don’t like that sentiment at all.

    • #21
  22. Red Herring Coolidge
    Red Herring
    @EHerring

    The song inspires and patriots love it. He is patriotic and he supports the troops. I was a witness to that. By musical standards our national anthem’s music fails the test for songs easy to sing on key yet it moves me every time I stand and salute when it is played.

    • #22
  23. Red Herring Coolidge
    Red Herring
    @EHerring

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):
    Apparently only approved opinions are allowed now?

    Not at all. I just wonder where you are reading “poor patriotism” in the lyrics. Is asking for an explanation unacceptable or unpatriotic?

    I’ve explained it several times, but I will try again. He says “at least I know I’m free.” That implies that in all other ways, it’s not a very nice place. I don’t like that sentiment at all.

    Actually, Rush Limbaugh could relate to that line. He failed many times before he succeeded and earned his wealth. He never lost his undying love of country and for the freedom he had. 

    • #23
  24. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Skyler (View Comment):
    I’ve explained it several times, but I will try again.  He says “at least I know I’m free.”

    I don’t hear that–if he lived in a different country, a totalitarian country, he wouldn’t be living in freedom, where in America, he knows he’s free. I think the song is especially poignant, as we watch people in our own country trying to strip away our freedoms.

    • #24
  25. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Red Herring (View Comment):
    Actually, Rush Limbaugh could relate to that line. He failed many times before he succeeded and earned his wealth. He never lost his undying love of country and for the freedom he had. 

    Excellent explanation, Red. Thanks.

    • #25
  26. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    Red Herring (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):
    Apparently only approved opinions are allowed now?

    Not at all. I just wonder where you are reading “poor patriotism” in the lyrics. Is asking for an explanation unacceptable or unpatriotic?

    I’ve explained it several times, but I will try again. He says “at least I know I’m free.” That implies that in all other ways, it’s not a very nice place. I don’t like that sentiment at all.

    Actually, Rush Limbaugh could relate to that line. He failed many times before he succeeded and earned his wealth. He never lost his undying love of country and for the freedom he had.

    Rush never claimed that the country was bad except that he’s free.

    • #26
  27. Jim George Member
    Jim George
    @JimGeorge

    Red Herring (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):
    Apparently only approved opinions are allowed now?

    Not at all. I just wonder where you are reading “poor patriotism” in the lyrics. Is asking for an explanation unacceptable or unpatriotic?

    I’ve explained it several times, but I will try again. He says “at least I know I’m free.” That implies that in all other ways, it’s not a very nice place. I don’t like that sentiment at all.

    Actually, Rush Limbaugh could relate to that line. He failed many times before he succeeded and earned his wealth. He never lost his undying love of country and for the freedom he had.

    Great comment about Rush, who I miss every single day. 

    With regard to these remarks by @skyler about this beautiful, patriotic, moving, inspiring, uplifting song  I offer this thought — how many angels actually can dance on the head of a  pin? 

    • #27
  28. Red Herring Coolidge
    Red Herring
    @EHerring

    If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life

    Doesn’t say the country is bad. There are two hints in bold, “if” and “tomorrow.”

    In italics you see he is referring to a personal loss.

    • #28
  29. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    Jim George (View Comment):

    — how many angels actually can dance on the head of a pin?

    Easy.  None.  Angels haven’t taken dancing lessons.

    • #29
  30. Jim McConnell Member
    Jim McConnell
    @JimMcConnell

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Jim George (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    I despise that ear worm of pathetic questionable patriotism. At least he knows he’s free? That’s it? That’s all he admits to? If I never hear it again, I’ll die happy.

    I can only hope this is a joke as I would hate to think ANYONE could be this unhappy and bitter about the Nation I love, for whom countless Patriots gave their lives. Respectfully, Jim

    He’s not bitter about the country, per se, Jim. He’s just bitter.

    I’m not bitter at all. This is a matter of musical taste, and that song is horrendous. I hate his weaselly words to it and I can’t stand his trite singing. The words to the song imply that America is screwed up, but he concedes that he’s free. I strongly disagree. America is wonderful and the best nation ever to exist in the history of mankind. No qualifiers needed.

    I appreciate that explanation of your comment.

    • #30
Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.