I'm Proud to be an American...

...where at least I know I'm free.

And you know the rest.

I am proud that we still have the freedom to:

Worship freely.

Own guns (Thank you Supreme Court!).

Think freely.

Vote.

Say what I want.

Own Property.

Attend whatever Church I believe God wants me to.

Love.

Work in what ever profession I choose.

Freely associate with whom ever I choose.

Be a conservative.

Protect my family.

And the list goes on...

You know what? On this Fourth of July, I am still proud to be called an American. I still love this nation. I am proud of the President we currently have. (YES I AM!!!)

I am glad that President Bush has been a man who has not governed by polls, who has governed by the dictates of his heart, his intellect, his faith.

I am glad for the men and women who are serving in the military. They fight in OUR name. Are you a Republican? They fight in our name. Are you a Democrat? They fight in your name. Liberal? Conservative? Libertarian? Green Party? They fight in your name.

Last week, they buried a 21 year old Marine in the cemetery at the end of our road. I went to the graveside later that night, and just stood with my family there for a few minutes. I had tears in my eyes. I do now.

Lance Corporal Whitacre fought and died for us. He was killed in Iraq by an IED. Only 21.

So, today, July the 4th, 2008, I live my life, freely, because of countless soldiers who fought and died like Lance Corporal Whitacre.

And tonight, as I sit and watch the fireworks with my family, I will remember that it was men and women like Whitacre that have given us a reason to celebrate.

Thanks to them, we are free.