Dear DC,
First of all, spending the Fourth of July in nation's capitol is a true treat. Top things?
- Enjoying the dress rehearsal of the concert on the U.S. Capitol lawn (the night before) and
- Watching the fireworks exploding over the Washington monument from a rooftop just blocks from all the action (my work building) after just had a very satisfying BBQ dinner!
Second, the lesson at church in the children's class on patriotism was touching. A lesson meant for and delivered to seven-year-olds really shouldn't inspire me, but it did. Kyle and I came home and watched "A More Perfect Union" (somewhat cheesy but interesting movie done by BYU in the '80s) and then picked up reading 1776 where I left off over a year ago. It's really interesting and having not grown up learning about the American revolution, I am really learning a lot. It's pretty incredible how the rebels kept going for a supposed lost cause and how everything came together to create a sustainable system. I'm really impressed.
I'm not an American citizen, yet I see how others feel about this country. I often wonder if people feel patriotic for the right reasons (hint: for me it wouldn't be rooted in guns or football) but I love to see patriotism nonetheless.
Maybe someday I'll become an American citizen and have verifiable patriotism. After all, I have memorized the pledge of allegiance.
But I don't have to like The Star Spangled Banner.....O Canada totally kicks its butt!
With America Love,
Julia
