Proud to Be an American

Today, as part of our homeschooling, we watched the inauguration ceremony of America's 44th president.

And today I am so proud to be an American.

How do the song lyrics go?

I'm just a flag-waving American,

A citizen I'm really proud to be!

I'm just a flag-waving American,

Liberty-loving, red-white-and-blue variety.

I love to sing --- of Dixie Land! ---

and Yankee Doodle;

I thrill to see Old Glory flying high!

O, I'm just a flag-waving American,

Who believes there's no better land beneath the sky!

Sorry - couldn't lie - we don't sing "The Battle Hymn" in our house. But you can. I'm okay with that... because I am so thankful to be part of this wonderful nation.

The inaugural ceremony never fails to thrill my soul, no matter who I voted for the previous November. The ceremony itself is a symbol of something far greater than any man, more vast than any political party. It represents a belief in the right of man to govern himself, under God, as he sees fit. What an amazing opportunity we have!

The words of another great song run through my head...

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,

Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,

As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God bless America, land that I love;

Stand beside her and guide her

through the night with the light from above.

From the mountains

to the prairies

to the oceans

white with foam,

God bless America, my home, sweet home!

God bless America, my home, sweet home!

I'll save the critique of why songs like this can be sung and prayers can be prayed during a national ceremony - but are barred from public schoolrooms - for a later time. Right now I'm just proud to be an American.