I’ve had a radio station on Pandora for years that is just patriotic music and about the only day out of the year I listen to it is the Fourth of July. From the time I get up, on the way to friends & relatives, during the fireworks and then all the way back home, that music is always in my head.

This day, the Fourth of July, has always been a big deal in my life. My dad was a big part of my love for the fourth and still is today. He taught me to hang my flag out first thing in the morning and take it down on my way to bed. During his lifetime, he never missed the parade except when he was overseas during WWII, and think I was with him for a majority of them. I learned to stand & remove my hat when the flag goes by. But probably the one thing that I remember most was how he sang the national anthem whether anyone else was or not, a tradition I’m proud to carry on. This brings me back to my Pandora station.

Most all Patriotic songs have some of the same elements in common: service, war, sacrifice, love of country, the flag, military, home, heroes, and of course our land; from sea to shining sea. Even when we talk about the pride we have in our country, these same elements come up in our conversation. Whether it’s the death of a soldier in a land far away; when a National Guard convoy passes us on the interstate; or it’s a military friend or family member who has been severely injured in combat. Not only do we express our gratitude for these individuals, but we pray that God looks over them.

God, that’s the final element of what great Patriotic songs have in common. Think of the songs we love to sing when we feel that love for our country and who we acknowledge in those songs. Traditional songs include words like: God Bless America; God Shed his grace on thee; Great God our king. Then there are the more modern songs that include words like: But I know Jesus and I talk to God, In God We Still Trust, and God Bless the USA. But I have to admit, finding God in lyrics is becoming more difficult.

God isn’t emphasized in song as much as it was in previous generations. This great country was built with a faith that I can only hope to achieve. Let’s find a way to keep God an important element in our Patriotic Hearts! Happy Fourth of July everyone.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!

Psalm 33:12