Picture of the day - July 4, 2007

Mom's 4th of July "Flower Pot Flag"

My wonderful mom will celebrate her 80th birthday in just a little over a week, and this amazing woman has spent virtually her entire life loving her God, her family, and her country as much as anyone I have ever known. Ever the patriot, she is very proud of the fact that several members of her family have worn the uniform of the United States Military and helped protect our great nation from those who have taken up arms against her - including her beloved brother Virgil who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom and way of life. And we are very proud of her as well for always standing up for what's right and speaking her mind when things aren't as they should be. Mom has had a large American flag flying in her yard for many years, but this 4th of July she has a smaller one standing tall in a flower pot that sits front and center on her front porch. It's just a small token of her love for her country, but it's deeply symbolic nonetheless. You see, mom wants everyone to know that even though we Americans have our share of problems and often find ourselves bitterly divided on the important issues of the day, we are still Americans who love our country and want what's best for her, even if we disagree somewhat on exactly what that might be. Today is our great nation's 231st birthday, and the Stars and Stripes that so eloquently represent her are still just as beautiful and precious to mom and her fellow patriots as they were when they were hoisted in victory time and again on countless battlefields all around the globe during wars past and present. Over the years, Old Glory has often been battered, torn, ripped to shreds, and stained with the blood of her valiant protectors, but she has never failed to keep her promise of freedom and a better way of life for all who proudly declared their allegiance to her and the amazing nation she represents. And if people like my mom have their way, she never will.   Visit the POTD Archives for previous "Pictures Of The Day"!     Submit a photo of your own!            Why I publish the "Picture of the Day"