patriotic

Did you proudly fly your flag yesterday? Our house was decked out in its finest patriotic prowess, but I have to confess that I may have gotten a little jump on my Americana this year by decorating on Memorial Day way back in May. I figured I could get just over a month of patriotic punch if I started early, and who doesn’t love a little red, white and blue as we tumble headlong into the sizzling months of summer. Between Memorial Day and Independence Day, falls Flag Day, so the reasons to celebrate just keep coming.

Here’s a little peek at what my family has been looking at for the last several weeks. I actually appear not to be behind (for once).

I crafted this large wooden flag out of old fence pickets. A simple wash of paint shows off the weathered wood grain.

I purchased this patriotic sign for just a few dollars after Independence Day last year. It complements the large wooden flag on the back deck.

I really don’t know why I’ve hung onto this tattered plastic flag for so many years, but it’s the perfect addition to my red geranium on the front porch steps.

This oversized paper ribbon adorns our front door, and you can learn how to make your own right here at Small Talk Mama.

I love this fun fabric banner hanging from our fireplace. You can whip up this cheap and easy project just in time for Independence Day.

This red, white and blue bunting hangs from our front deck railing and welcomes everyone with a big ol’ punch of color.

Of course we also proudly fly our American flag from a pole at the front of the house!

Independence Day started so innocently with family breakfast on the way to the local quintessential small town parade in Parkville, Mo., with plans for the carnival after. We parked the minivan, walked a couple of blocks, nabbed a front-row spot, and laughed and made small talk with our five-year-old son while sipping on sodas until the festivities began.

It was supposed to be a completely care-free and fun-filled day, but soon after the vehicles began rolling down the hill in front of our little spot along the road, tears began to fill my eyes. As hard as I tried I couldn’t hold them in, especially when the face of one of the gentleman on a flat-bed trailer matched that of mine.

Two full trailers of American veterans, most fairly old (the teary-eyed man one of the exceptions), led this little patriotic parade, and it touched me. I mean, really moved me. In just a few brief seconds, thoughts of their lives at war, their sacrifice and their friends that never made it home rushed into my head and pushed out the tears. I was suddenly overwhelmed with pride! I was proud of my country’s heritage, proud of these men rolling along in front of me, proud of the round of applause that erupted at their arrival, and proud to be an American!

Somehow my husband standing behind me knew I was fighting back the tears and wrapped his arms around my waist (which pretty much made me only cry harder), but suddenly I realized how he knew I was so moved, because when I turned around I realized he was misty-eyed as well. What a great way to celebrate the day! Not only did we get to spend time with friends and family this Fourth of July, we got to remember how lucky we are to live in this country. I truly hope many of you got to do the same.

Tag: patriotic

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