Guest Author Bob Sutter Takes Time to Honor this Great Nation!

My Uncle Ray past away recently. He was a Veteran of WWII. There were many times in the 50's that we would gather at the Fourth of July and celebrate the day withÂ our families. The day was filled with athletic competition and good things to eat. But what I remember the most was trying to get Uncle Ray to gather us around and share his war stories. He was very reluctant to do so. As kid I could never figure out why. It is very obvious to me now. He was doing his duty and was willing toÂ sacrifice his life for his family and country and did not want toÂ brag about individual heroics.Â Â Â

Our grandson Benjamin is 4 years old and has an enormous fascination with the American flag. Every American flag he sees, he pointsÂ out to us. When he is older please know that I will tell him about those who fought for this flag of freedom which we proudly andÂ fly freelyÂ because of the unselfish sacrifices of men like his Great, Great, Uncle Ray.Â Â Â

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â On this the Fourth of July we pledge anewÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Our Loyalty, Red, White, and BlueÂ

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â And may your colors ever waveÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â O'er this land of free, and home of brave.Â

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â by Pauline LaHaieÂ

Â Â Happy Fourth of July to you anÂ all your readers.Â

Â Â Bob