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As I sit here this morning watching the news coverage of the Boston Marathon tragedy I am overwhelmed with many emotions.  I am sad, heartbroken, confused, angry – but the one feeling that keeps coming to the top of the emotional heap is PRIDE!!!  And here is why I feel pride during such a trying and horrific time.

I am proud to be an American!  The reason America is “the home of the brave and the land of the free” is because that no matter what is going on in the world we as citizens will do whatever it takes for our fellow Americans.  We are each others Red, White & Blue family.  A family that can set aside their differences in a time of need and unite for our fellow man.  As a nation, currently I know there is major political unrest and social issue controversies that seems to be dividing the country.  It is probably the worst that I have seen in my adult life.  I am guilty of it.  Like so many, I am angry and unsettled with the direction of our country right now and feel that as an American I get to voice my opinions regardless if they are right or wrong.  But, none of that seems to matter right now does it?  What matters yesterday, tomorrow and for many days to come is coming together and healing and caring for one another as a nation –  remember the words of the Pledge of Allegiance “one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.  

I am proud of a nation that lets us stand up for what we believe in and not be unjustly persecuted for it.

I am proud of a nation that runs in to help regardless of the danger rather than running away.

 MetroWest Daily News photo/Ken McGagh

I am proud of a fellow American that opens her doors and home to stranded marathon runners in such a scary time.

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I am proud of a nation that filled churches and stadiums across America to pray for peace, strength, understanding for the families and a wounded nation.

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I am proud that we are teaching our youth about this America that we all love and that they are embracing the hurt and the pride and the prayers.

I am sure as the days pass after the Boston Marathon tragedy the arguments and tensions of the American people and our government will return.  But, I promise you that I am going to do my best to remember the America that makes me proud.  The America that still stands tall, strong and united in times of such pain and conflict.   The America that heals together.

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I am proud to be an American ~ God Bless  ~ Amy