Pride In America, Wedding Bells, Rodeo, County Fair

I cannot say that I have ever felt "hollow" about being an American, either during the rites and celebrations of July or during the winter Holidays when we bring family cultures and traditions from around the world into our home and celebrate in our own special way.

I will always be grateful to be an American because I have the freedom of speech to tell you that.

I also have the freedom of religion to personally thank my Father in Heaven for my beliefs, I have the freedom of the press and this once a week small-town column to write down whatever is on my mind and also the right to vote; a gift of freedom to show the nation my personal opinion.