As we celebrate the Fourth of July, dissension, shouted without civility from all sides, blares at us constantly from cable television and social media. Despite the noise, America remains a country blessed beyond measure. Our nation of staggering beauty stands as a symbol of freedom for all the world to see, and people of every stripe have taken extraordinary measures to stand at our borders seeking entry to this great nation–seemingly unconcerned with all of the discord around us.
Helen and I sincerely hope that on the 242nd birthday of America, the strident screeching will subside, even if for only a day. We would love to see all Americans pause and agree on at least one thing; that what we have was accomplished at great sacrifice—with deeds more than words–and is worth preserving.
For our part, Easin’ Along would like to dampen the noise briefly and send up a prayer asking that the most blessed nation on earth remain ever so. We do this by weaving some of our favorite travel pictures throughout one of the most popular patriotic songs ever written. So, please, let’s put down the remote, turn off the Twitter, and ignore in the inflamed rhetoric. With that accomplished, pause with us for about two minutes to reflect on the blessings we have and then let’s celebrate the birthday of our country in a very loud, very positive, and very unified, voice. That would be something to shout about!
The words below are a prelude to that prayer in song. The video follows. It is best when viewed in full screen. We would love your thoughts.
“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. “
Happy birthday, America from Easin’ Along.
Wonderful Joe!
Glad you enjoyed it. Have a relaxing Fourth!
I loved this, thanks Joe!
Anne
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Fourth!
Due to our forefathers’ courage to stand behind their convictions, we all enjoy many opportunities and benefits in this beautiful country of ours. Thanks for the time and effort you put in, Joe, to remind us that Independence Day means more to us as Americans than just a day off from work or a great display of fireworks. Without a doubt, there is much to celebrate!
Amen to that! We’re genuinely blessed to be Americans.
Thank you for capturing America! Beautiful!
You’re very welcome. A country like ours should be on display at all times. Have a great Fourth and thanks for checking in!
Thanks for capturing the essence of America.Enjoy your blog so much. Have a wonderful Fourth.
Hi Kathy,
America is an amazingly beautiful country and blessed with wonderful people. We love traveling through it. The pictures of our trips are some of our most prized possessions. Thanks for the kind words. Hope you’ll come back.
Thank you so much for your post. It brought tears to my eyes. I haven’t heard someone praise this country in so long. I’m finding my life to be much better since I stopped listening to the news and since I stopped reading anything to do with social media. I live a very blessed life and I thank God for it each and every day.
Hi, Cindi,
It is amazing that we can let all of that noise affect us at times and how much more joyful our lives can be when we turn it off. We live in a wonderful country and those of us who are determined to enjoy it will benefit greatly. Thanks for checking in and please come back.