The "Proud To Be An American" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Standing in front of Boardwalk Adventures at 728 Boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ with a few tears in my eyes as I sing the National Anthem with about 100 others who have gathered this gorgeous summer morning for the daily flag raising ceremony that began following September 11th, 2001 to honor those who lost their lives and those who continue to protect our freedom.  

Veterans line up for the ceremony.

Three young employees of the water park/mini golf adventure park are standing on the second level of the ticket office which lines the boardwalk.  Two of the employees are raising Old Glory as the large speakers blast out "God Bless The USA", written by country singer Lee Greenwood in 1984.  Then the crowd joins in singing as the speakers become active again and play our National Anthem.  If you have ever been on the Boardwalk at 9:15 am and have heard and felt the stirring ceremony, you will know how I felt; proud to be an American as Lee sings.  A minute or two before the ceremony begins many veterans rise from their bench seats along the Boardwalk and gather, as if in drill formation, along the Boardwalk in front of the flag poles as they wait for the ceremony to begin.  

The crowd that gathered for the ceremony.

The pride these great veterans show in their country and flag is evident as they stand at attention and proudly salute the flag that they fought for during the many wars that they were part of in their lifetime.  What is just as impressive is all the people who were riding bikes, jogging and walking who stopped what they were doing to participate along with the veterans.  

A final salute!

They too showed their respect for our flag as many joined me and the veterans in singing of the National Anthem.  I saw a couple others who where wiping a tear or two away as the song ended and the past soldiers gave their salute.  I never tire of this ceremony and try to take it in whenever I can along Ocean City's Boardwalk.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.