The fourth of July is quickly approaching.  I’m in a resort town, staying with family in a cabin for a week of vacation.  This entire community is gearing up for this holiday.

Merchants are looking forward to tourists filling the streets of this beautiful mountain town.  The locals say that the fireworks shows should be spectacular.  Neighbors here are quick to share a pleasant conversation just to get acquainted.

While our country is facing one of its worst historical chapters, there still is something about America that makes us citizens proud.   “Proud to be an American” are great lyrics.  It makes our hearts well up with patriotism.

People around town are putting up American flags in countless numbers.  Fence rails and awnings are decked with red, white and blue banners.  Stores are thematically sporting everything in the best known color combination in our nation.

I jumped in on the festivities.  A special sale on patriotic T-shirts caught my eye.  One is olive green with the letters USA emblazened on the front.  The letters are cut out of camoflauge material. 

This shirt appealed to me because of the added slogan.  It’s a phrase from the National Anthem.  Our nation knows that freedom is not free but enjoys that liberty because our country is “the home of the brave.”

As I enjoy this vacation home I am meeting so many people that make up America.  There are those who are struggling to make an honest dollar at selling their wares at an Arts & Crafts fair.  High Schoolers are doing a summer job slinging hash at a local breakfast eatery.

Then, there is the man who served us our lunch today, excited that he had been promoted from sweeping the floors to now serving what people have ordered.  His cheer and good-natured teasing brought smiles to patrons of the burger joint.  His smile was delightful and so much of what America is about.

When the word from Washington is only about sacrifice and the headlines in the papers only report bad news, we can find respite in the lives of the American people.  Individuals who work hard, spread a word of cheer, and give courtesy to their fellow Americans are worth hoping in while our world is aching. 

God Bless America!  You are the home of the brave.  You are our home and we are glad to be here!

photo credit: Bruce Fong Photography