But it was also a day to honor those who serve and protect our country both past and present... To remember all who sacrifice for our freedoms that I so often take for granted.
This year as we donned our red, white and blue and watched the fireworks light up the sky, I was especially moved. The stars and stripes took on new meaning. And the patriotic lyrics touched my heart.
And the rockets' red glare,
the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night
that our flag was still there.
I would feel amiss if I didn't take this opportunity to publicly express my gratitude for this beautiful country I call home.
Thank you to all the service men and women who so willingly put their lives at risk. And to the families that send their loved ones into harms way time and time again... You are all heroes to me.
*The fireworks above were done by hubs and slightly tricky to capture. Texture was added for a more dramatic effect.
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The Summer Daze Photo Party is still in full swing! Stop by and link up your summer pics. We've showcased a few of our favs in our Pinterest Board. Go be inspired! And if you missed my FREE Set of Four 12x12 Templates, make sure to grab them! I've made my other FREEBIES easier for you to find. Check out my new tabs at the top!
Just grab a photo and link up below! And if you'd like to connect with other WW participants, click HERE or one of the thumbnails below.
Cool photos. Sounds like a great day!
ReplyDeleteLove, Love, Love everything about the last image...perfection!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots!
ReplyDeletelove the fireworks picture :)
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more. Beautiful set of photos. The texture is so perfect!
ReplyDeleteYour post is such a beautiful tribute! Beautiful! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't really get to caught up in the whole Fourth of July premise. However, the post was well written and put together with the photos and all. Alicia, I have to say, you are a excellent photographer. I see a lot of your work on FB. Amazing! Keep it up! I am watching.
ReplyDeletePaul E. Butler
beautiful pictures Alicia...
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me, yes, this is a wonderful land even though it's not my original home. I love living here.
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos, as always!
ReplyDeleteHappy summer.
Love this post! And love the flying flag picture. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the others...that last picture rocks!
ReplyDeleteAs an immigrant, I agree wholeheartedly with the appreciation for this country. I remember living in a socialist country, buying what we could, trading among neighbors. The US rocks!
ReplyDeleteI love that last photo of the flag. Very moving.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flag picture! The first one is my favorite, but the second one is awesome too!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way you do, Alicia. We are so lucky to have the dedicated service men and women we do to protect our freedom. You are right, their families need our prayers too.
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS SHOTS! Thanks for sharing and for hosting!
ReplyDeleteKerry at HouseTalkN
I too love that photo of not-so-Lil man flying the flag.
ReplyDeleteLove your American patriotism... it's very special.
We Kiwis are less overt in our love of country...
I admire how you americans really CELEBRATE your country
xx
Love these Lish!
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing fireworks shots!
ReplyDeleteLovely fireworks pictures.
ReplyDeleteGreat patriotic shots. I love the 3rd one!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely beautiful shots!! as per usual! :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous shots, as usual! :)
ReplyDeleteMount Rushmore vs. Mother Nature
Thank you for remembering. Too often are we so wrapped up in burgers and fireworks that we forget that freedom has a very high price. Beautifuly photos.
ReplyDeleteAs always- gorgeous shots. What a beautiful tribute to our nation as well. I am also grateful for too many friends who are overseas ensuring our safety here at home.
ReplyDeleteIn AWE of the beauty! LOVE the flag shots!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteCheesecake and Cupcake
Lovely images! Happy belated 4th of July.
ReplyDeleteMollyxxx
Beautiful. I really like the last one, it has wow factor. It is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful patriotic shots!
ReplyDeleteTruly amazing shots, mama! Just stunning!
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of your son running with the flag!
ReplyDeleteI love the one with the flag! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteI was very impressed with the first photo of the flag... but then I saw the one of your son running with it...
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!
From a military family, THANK YOU for this post :)
That last picture is the dreamiest thing I've seen all week! I can almost smell the BBQ, the grass and the coming fireworks.
ReplyDeleteVery cool Lish- looks like it was a great holiday.
ReplyDeleteThe flag shot is so cool looking!
ReplyDeleteHave a great WW!
POSH
Beautiful photos! Happy Fourth and Happy Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful! Love the added texture of course!
ReplyDeleteFantastic pics!! Gorgeous!! Stopping by from the hop and am now your newest follower:) Hope you can come check out Crazy Mama Drama !
ReplyDeletehttp://crazy-mama-drama.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crazy-Mama-Drama/259491484156846
Beautiful pictures! May our Independence Day be always upheld as such, and may God Bless America!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing. This post really made my day.
Danielle @ Royalegacy
What a beautiful post! It really is way too easy to take our lifestyle and freedoms for granted.
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how much I love these photos. It expresses my sentiments towards our country as well. I pinned a few on Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteStunning photos Alicia! These are just gorgeous and such a lovely tribute.
ReplyDeleteGod bless!