Celebrating our Independence in Ireland.

Day 18: July 4, 2012

            Being across the big pond in Ireland today is very difficult. It’s the first 4^th of July I have been outside of the states. I will start this with a brief post I shared with my study abroad group.

“My fellow American Travelers,

Today we take the time out of this glorious day to celebrate America. Our country. Our people. Our history. Our home. Today is not just a day to drink and be merry. Today we recognize what our fore fathers did to establish freedom for us. Freedom that we still have to fight for today. As the famous Country author Toby Keith once said "freedom don't come free." We need to show Ireland what America is all about. That's RED WHITE AND BLUE. STARS AND STRIPES. BLOOD GUTS AND GLORY. THESE COLORS DONT RUN! So watch out Ireland. These Americans are prepared to celebrate our nations birthday even if we aren’t back home. Because we might be out of the country, but the country is never out of our hearts. We are Americans, each and every one of us. No matter where our heritage originates, no matter what color our skin or hair. We are all American and we are all here to celebrate that today. Remember on this wonderful Independence Day, that we want to give honor to our veterans who have served in past and present wars, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and laid down their lives for our nation, and the men and women still over seas and around the United States who are protecting our rights and our land.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA.”                        - Me.

            I truly thank God every day that I was born American. I do believe it is the best country in the world. I have really been enjoying my time here in Ireland as I’m sure you can tell from my posts, but there is honestly no place like home. Especially being able to call Yorktown my home is a great honor as well. We have so much rich history within the area that it is impossible not to love every bit of it. So I am pretty upset that I will not be able to watch fireworks from Yorktown beach, or kayak out to the sandbar with my buds, or be out on the boat with my family enjoying the beautiful day, but fear not my friends I will be celebrating today like any other American. I will be enjoying the day with some ‘Buds’, rocking my Red White and Blue with pride, grilling out, and honoring America like every American should.

Today our festivities to celebrate the 4^th of July in Ireland include:

1) Red, White, and Blue apparel only. Any other color must be absent from your wardrobe.

2) American Trivia: pop culture, history, geography, and America.

3) Ice Cold Budweiser, no foreign beer allowed.

4) Grilling out.

5) Country music.

6) Most importantly, Being American and Loving America.

So happy Independence Day to everyone back home! I miss you all terribly and I hope you all have a great day celebrating THE United States of America. Remember, honor our vets, troops, and your other fellow Americans. While enjoying this spectacular day, let’s stay classy and friendly, but most of all stay American.

Below are some American items that I have seen while in Ireland. They sure do love America!