On the 4th of July—
Independence Day,
folks used to celebrate
in their own special way.

It’s not the same now,
there’s no joy or great pride
as Old Glory is carried
to honor who died.

Have we forgotten
how America began—
giving freedom and spirit
to every man?

Our forefathers risked
all that they had
even their lives
were threatened—called bad.

But they forged ahead
fighting King-rule—
Great Britain they’d left
to be nobody’s fool.

A revolution incurred
against taxes they spurned
because King George the 3rd
wanting all that they earned.

God was their guide
in plans that they struck—
Their goals not entrusted
to their egos, or luck.

They fought to be FREE,
keep America strong.
Now tell me, dear Liberal,
was that oh, so wrong?

How can we forget
what those settlers gave;
“Land of the Free”—
“Home of the Brave?”

It’s not a cliché,
It’s not just by chance,
not to be wasted,
but to honor—enhance.

So, open your eyes—
don’t take for granted
lives that were lost,
or seeds that were planted.

We all benefit
from the future it brings,
when we remember our past,
and let Liberty ring.

Tamara Hillman
©2010