I'm proud to be an American

I was very fortunate to start my 4th of July off very very early this morning (or late last night, however you look at it...) as a part of a very large group that welcomed home the veterans from the Central Missouri Honor Flight's 19th mission. 

The Central Missouri Honor Flight is an amazing program, whose mission is to transport America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.  

American flags lined the street, as did hundreds of people.  The mood was festive as we waited for the veterans to return. Volunteers kept us updated "They are 40 miles, out; they are 15 miles out..."  And then we heard them, the more than 900 motorcycles that escorted them into the city.  What a sight!

Then the bus turned the corner!

The two buses honked, and turned on their lights. The crowd was cheering. You could see the veteran's smiling and waving and taking it all in.  It is hard to put into words what I felt at that exact moment, but it was something like pride and gratitude mixed together.

The crowd continued to cheer loudly as each veteran's name was announced as they were escorted off the bus.  

I saw this on the back of a volunteer's shirt.  I believe it says it all.  That is the reason I was there last night, and it is the reason I live in this free country today. 

What an awesome to way to celebrate this country's birth, by honoring the men and women who have served our country, kept us safe and fought for the freedom we have today!

I am so proud to be an American, and I am so grateful to everyone past and present who have served.  I am also so proud to be the granddaughter of two veterans (my Papa Case served in WWII, my Papa Bosch served in the Korean War) who served this country with honor. They have gone on to be with the Lord, but their service lives on.

I hope you stay safe, enjoy your day and I wish you

A VERY HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!