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Debbie’s Daily Dose of Food for Thought The stars and stripes of our flag are known round the world. Here is the first stanza of a poem to ponder and a few things to know about our flag and Flag Day. “There’s a flag hangs over my threshold, whose folds are more dear to me Than the blood that thrills in my bosom its earnest of liberty; And dear are the stars it harbors in its sunny field of blue As the hope of a further heaven that lights all our dim lives through.” -- Julie Ward Howe (American Poet,...

While serving as an Air Force officer in Japan 20 years ago, I had the privilege of seeing Lee Greenwood perform his hit song, “God Bless the USA,” at Kadena Air Base on the island of Okinawa. Though I will always appreciate the original lyrics to the song, I recently concluded that they needed an update to coincide with the Tea Party Movement occupying such a large space on the political landscape. Below are the updated lyrics:

Patriots live, breathe, and exude patriotism because it is part of their fiber. It becomes part of your fiber when you are taught, beginning as a child, that the root of America’s greatness is our freedom. You learn that America has freed millions of people from the grip of tyranny and oppression over our long and storied history. You learn that American freedom still serves as a beacon of hope for billions of people around the world. And while some people may not be proud of our country, Patriots are proud. Video. Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the U.S.A. (Proud to...

Patriots live, breathe, and exude patriotism because it is part of their fiber. It becomes part of your fiber when you are taught, beginning as a child, that the root of America’s greatness is our freedom. You learn that America has freed millions of people from the grip of tyranny and oppression over our long and storied history. You learn that American freedom still serves as a beacon of hope for billions of people around the world. And while some people may not be proud of our country, Patriots are proud. Video. Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the U.S.A. (Proud to...

    ~The FReeper Canteen Presents~ Road Trip: Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia Naval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, Virginia, is a base of the United States Navy, supporting naval forces operating in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean. NS Norfolk, also known as the Norfolk Navy Base, occupies about 4,300 acres of Hampton Roads real estate in a peninsula known as Sewell's Point. It is the world's largest Naval Station; in fact, based on supported military population, it is the largest naval installation/base in the world. When the 75 ships and 134 aircraft homeported here are not at...

Idol contestant, Kristy Lee Cook, brings down the American Idol House tonight with rendition of Lee Greenwood's mega hit: God Bless the USA"Simon says: "Brilliant "

Wiping away tears and clutching a picture of her dead son, the mother of a soldier killed in Iraq begged state lawmakers Thursday to limit protests at funerals, saying no parent should have to go through what she went through when she buried her son last November. Julie MacKenzie said a group of protesters from a Kansas church showed up with signs that said "Thank God for dead soldiers" and other messages for those who attended the funeral for her 20-year-old son, Tyler... trying to balance the free-speech rights of protesters and the rights of families to mourn peacefully and...

Floridians could shoot anyone who invades their homes or cars with the intention of harming them, under a bill that got preliminary approval today in the Senate. The bill by Sen. Durrell Peaden, R-Crestview, basically says that you don't have to back away from a confrontation. Under existing law, people can be prosecuted if they don't first try to find a way to escape from a confrontation. Sen. Steve Geller, D-Hallendale, unsuccessfully tried to amend the bill so that it would only apply to homes, cars and other private locations - not confrontations on the street. Geller said he supported...

Super Bowl to Feature Veterans, Servicemembers WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2005 -- America's servicemembers of yesterday, today and tomorrow will be featured during the pre-game show for the NFL's Super Bowl XXXIX, a championship game between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles Feb. 6 in Jacksonville, Fla. "I think it's fantastic that the NFL is honoring our military men and women, and giving the American people a chance to express their appreciation for their servicemembers who make so many sacrifices to protect us," said C. Patrick Dooling, public affairs officer for the Navy Region Southeast, which has its headquarters...

MIDI - BATTLE CRY OF FREEDOM - scroll down to choose the MIDI They had risked both life and limb May their new lives now begin Bear witness to the birth of freedom The historians will note How Iraqis came to vote Bear witness to the birth of freedom To tyrants and despots our message is clear We are the beacon...your turn to fear They will now see brighter days May God bless the USA Bear witness to the birth of freedom Bear witness to the birth of freedom Tens of millions are now free And a future they...

Here are just a few of the examples of American compassion

<p>OXNARD, Calif. — Angry parents got "God" put back in Lee Greenwood's (search) patriotic anthem "God Bless the USA," which was changed to "I Love the USA" by the directors of a school show.</p> <p>Kaila Kaden took issue after learning the word "God" was removed from the song her daughter Jackie will sing in this spring's Cinemagic show benefiting Pleasant Valley schools.</p>

Lee Greenwood's inspiring Gulf War anthem prompts questions about 'legality of lyrics' ''God Bless the U.S.A.,'' a patriotic anthem made popular by singer Lee Greenwood during the 1991 Gulf War, ignited a war of words between some parents and officials when it was learned an upcoming school performance would substitute the words ''I love'' for 'God bless.'' The show's directors decided to substitute ''I love the U.S.A.'' during rehearsals for the performance at Pacifica High School in Ventura County, California, when someone on the committee suggested the word ''God'' might be a ''problem.'' When angry parents found out about the...

As a Jewish mother, Kaila Kaden supported her daughter Jackie when she landed the lead in her school's production of the "Nutcracker." No one asked whether she was offended, even though her family does not observe Christmas. Instead, Kaden sat and watched respectfully. But last month, Kaden took action when she learned the word "God" was temporarily removed from a song Jackie will sing in this spring's Cinemagic show benefiting Pleasant Valley schools. The show, set for April 2 and 3 at Pacifica High School, follows a mishandled suitcase across America. As a finale, 200 Camarillo students will sing "God...

Angelwood's Report: The Patriots Rally for America V held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial leading down to the reflecting pool was a resounding success. About 1,000 to 1,200 flag-waving patriots gathered together to say a few prayers, listen to inspiring speeches and rally in support of the men and women of the United States, Great Britain, Australia and other coalition forces who are in harm’s way and fighting to defend freedom and liberate Iraq. It was a beautiful day with sunny skies, a brisk breeze to unfurl the flags and temperatures in the low 60's. The Lincoln Memorial...