'PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!'

"I like to see a man proud

of the place in which he lives.

I like to see a man live

so that his place will be proud of him."

~Abraham Lincoln

"National honor is national property of the highest value."

~ James Monroe, first inaugural address, 4 March 1817

MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE

The dead soldier's silence

sings our national anthem.

~Aaron Kilbourn

And I'm proud to be an American,

where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

~Lee Greenwood

IN HONOR OF OBSERVED 'VETERANS DAY'

AN AGING VETERANS PRAYER

by JOSEPH P.MARTINO

"America I loved you in my youth, with all my heart and soul ... And I still believe in what you stand for, now that I have grown grey and old. We live in a republic where freedom of speech, justice, liberty and equality for all, are the mortar, brick, foundation and cornerstone of our great democracy. Precious guidlines and undeniable truths that ourfounding fathers weaved and express so eloquently in the U.S. CONSTITUTION. Principles to strive for and live by not for just the present moment, but for a lifetime. Every second, minute, hour and day of each and every passing year. Our past and present veterans blood was shed and flesh was torn on foreign battle fields in defense of these shining truths and principles so others should remain free. So please keep us vets in your heart felt thoughts and prayers for we are growing old, you see. Liberty and freedom comes at a high cost and is never really free. For without the sacrifice of our brave armed forces there would be no liberty. So, always remember the one's who fell in combat and the aging veterans who still remain ... and when you meet and greet them tell them their heroic efforts in defense of freedom and liberty were not fought in vain."

Copyright JOSEPH P. MARTINO 2005