Let me begin by posting the Pledge:

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

So I guess most everyone I know is aware that I'm an American currently living in an Arab country. :-) Although they do embrace a few western ideas, foods, and fashion, it's still an Arab nation under Islamic law.

I recently went to the American Embassy. As i drew near to the building I could see the flag there—high on a pole, and let me tell you--my heart was lifted and I had a weird kind of feeling, a yearning– couldn’t wait to cross thru that gate (can't remember ever feeling this way - except at church :-). When I got there it was like Ahh, I’m home---kinda.

I was an Army brat, and having been raised in the military and later working on an Army base, I have had the privilege to live and work near and alongside American service men and women. Almost daily, I heard soldiers’ cadences during the day and taps played in the evening, and saw the stars and stripes everywhere I went. My Army dad would leave us from time to time for 3, 6, or 18 months. I remember the smell of his uniform and the touch of his felt “round brown” drill sergeant hat. And I still like to look at his plaques and awards and hold his medals and badges. I was proud of my dad and his service to our country.

I think it was largely because of my father’s service and sacrifice that I learned to love and appreciate being an American—that, and the fact that we still are the greatest nation on earth (ok—that’s the cheesy proud American egotist talking). Some of the most wonderful people I know in the world are Americans (and that’s not meant to sound like a caucasian saying “some of my best friends are black J). I’ve been fortunate enough to meet many people from around the world with different nationalities and learn about their culture and their beliefs firsthand.

A lot of folks around the world these days may not like or appreciate our politics and government, but they respect America—you better believe that. And, when they get to know you—you Americans—one on one, they learn to respect you, and they can see that you are “different”; there’s something about you that no one in the world has.

Americans are a fierce, tenacious and bodacious people, and yet we are compassionate and caring. We have a particular nature that is born out of the freedom we are privileged to enjoy (and sometimes take for granted). I love my America. I miss it. This is the first 4^th of July that I will be neither in the US nor on a US military base, and so I guess I’m feeling particularly nostalgic for the red, white, and blue. For you there in the US—you see it everywhere, right? In the grocery stores—marking the street lights, in people’s yards, and in town squares. You probably have a bunch of 4^th of July sales going on and you’re trying to decide which fireworks display to attend or whether to attend at all. Some of you may even be a little tired of the hype—just money making holiday b.s., right? Baseball, hotdogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet. Here in the UAE? We don’t see any signs that commemorate our nation’s independence Here the flags fly only in our hearts; we may have them displayed inside our homes and/or on our laptops.

And yes, I know some people living in the US don’t think it’s all that great because, like any nation, America has its faults. We all fall short—as individuals, citizens, as communities, agencies, and political parties. And we have oppressed each other and denied our brother. Yea, we have not always behaved well (at home and abroad), have we? But, thank God for that, really. No, we are not perfect (you know there is only ONE), which is why we should remember Him and ask His guidance, blessing, and protection. We ought to still pledge our allegiance, continue to print our money with in “God we Trust”, and still sing songs like the ones below. Yes, and maybe one day, like all great empires of the past, our nation may fall, but we owe our greatness to God and the triumphant spirit He instilled within us all.
My country ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty of thee I sing… Land where my fathers died (in battle, in slavery, in terrorist attacks, in rescue attempts, at sea, in storms and in the air) Land of the pilgrims pride (Many of them Puritans who came seeking religious freedom from tyranny, persecution and corruption in the church) From every mountain side… Let freedom ring

(Have you heard or read the 4^th stanza of this song?)

Our fathers’ God to THEE, Author of Liberty, to Thee we sing

Long may our land be bright with Freedom’s holy light

Protect us with Thy might, Great God, our King.

Want more? How’s about this one…..

“America, America, God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good with Brotherhood, from sea to shining sea. …. America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law. ….

America! America! May God thy gold refine till all success be nobleness, and ev'ry gain divine.

“God bless America land that I love; stand beside her, and guide her thru the night with a light from above……

God Bless America, my home sweet home.

Can’t wait to touch that precious soil. I’ll be home soon. Happy Independence Day – 4^th of July.