Latest / Just Us Sisters / Episode 19: America's 250th Birthday & Patriotism
Transcript
- speaker-0: Welcome to this podcast. speaker-2: Hive d- speaker-0: So speaker-3: Peace. speaker-1: Hello. Welcome to episode 19, celebrating America's 250th and patriotism. I'm Shelly number three. ⁓ there's Susan number one, Cheryl number two, and Stacy number four. ⁓ I am super excited about this episode because Independence Day has to rank right up there with one of my favorite holidays. And with this one being, they're calling it 250, I am excited to do this in preparation for the July second airing of this episode. So we're gonna just jump right in with first off, what is your favorite Fourth of July celebration memory? speaker-2: I I'm just gonna have to jump right in there and say a lot of our family members were in Oklahoma to visit Carmen and her family. We went and got a hotel in Kingfisher. And if you haven't been to Kingfisher, you haven't missed much. But we wanted to make the best out of it. So we found out they had a little parade in the morning. So we got everybody up and went down to the little town and watched the parade. speaker-1: Is Cheryl Frozen? speaker-2: Then later that night we found out that they were having a big fireworks show at the baseball field in town. And so I guess the w one car went in. I think it had mom and dad. And was Sam there? Seemed like Sam was there. Sam and Pat. So they took one car in and everybody else, you know, probably walked about a mile, maybe two. And so afterwards It was a really cool, you know, small town fireworks show and afterwards we decided head back. And I remember I don't know, I can't remember who, but I think one of us had to go to the restroom. So we flagged down a a truck and said, Hey, can we catch a ride? And I think they thought it was like me and one other person back up to the you know, toward the hotel. Yeah, get in. And then all of a sudden I literally don't know how many people. got in the back of that truck. Do you how many do you think so a lot of ⁓ us speaker-3: Yeah. speaker-1: Cheryl It was. And that's what got us laughing is because I asked this person if we could have a ride. They said sure. And all of a sudden, fifteen people were climbing in the back of their pickup. And we all got tickled because the truck was literally at this like this at that point. speaker-2: Yeah, and and our family has a really bad habit. Sometimes if if we get tickled, it started with the the number one sister, but it I think it goes with all of us. But at that point I think I was the one that I couldn't hold it anymore. And I was gonna try to secretly go to the restroom number one. And everything was fine until everybody said, What is speaker-1: And then people were like speaker-0: Jumping out of the truck. speaker-3: You can't frequently go to speaker-1: The stipulation was that everyone sit on the floorboard of the back of the truck for us to get in there. Well, after Cheryl did her business, every turn that fluid went all over the back of that truck and we were raising up, trying to get out of the way, and it was awful. speaker-2: I felt bad, kind of. A little bit. Actually I felt good after I went, but anyway, ⁓ th I don't think ⁓ we've laughed that hard in a long time since then. I mean, I know it was kinda nasty, but that whole day was kind of like a you're all American Fourth of July. Yeah. speaker-1: One of the fireworks shows I've ever seen it was speaker-2: Faith and fireworks. What you know, and a little pee in the process. speaker-1: Mixed in there. What's really funny is the our aunt and uncle got behind this pickup and they were commenting to themselves, Would you look at all the people in the back of that pickup? Only for them to realize it was us. speaker-2: Yeah. speaker-0: That would be one of my most memorable, but I will tell you, one of my favorite was ⁓ just a few years ago, we went with my second son, Noah Aaron, and their family and Aaron's parents to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. And we went to their city parade, all red, white, and blue, all American flags in that square. And it was just so much fun cheering and Lots of patriotic music. And then from there that evening we went to the rodeo, all very patriotic. I mean, there's nothing better than cowboys and patriotism, right? Except for maybe military. Yeah. But then a after the rodeo, they said, We're gonna turn off all the lights, just keep your seat. You've got front row seats to the fireworks. And I mean, they come came off that mountain and they were so good. And it was just very fun and it was cold. Never been in a fourth of July where it was cold and it was cold there. Anyway, shout out to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for your Fourth of July celebration. speaker-1: That's cool. speaker-3: Mine is two years ago we went to Galveston, the kids and their families and Casey and I and boys had all bought firework and we were out in the front yard of the house that we were staying in and they started shooting ⁓ off. Well, the neighbors caddy corner on the same street started shooting theirs off and it was like a competition. Yeah. And it was better than any small town. fireworks show. It was one after the other and and music was playing and it was just fun and, you know, family and just a great time. Laughed so hard. Was afraid we were all gonna get arrested from shooting off the fireworks, but just a lot of fun. speaker-1: Yeah. Okay, so far as traditions that our family had for celebrating Independence Day, other than seeking out the local fireworks display or shooting ⁓ off at the house, I c I couldn't really think of any traditions, can y'all? speaker-0: Just lots of family and friends. Mm-hmm. speaker-3: I remember being at the ranch a lot for July fourth. Think because dad was off and you know, went up there to work. That's my memories of growing up is mostly either July fourth at the ranch or at the beach. Like Or at the Dixons Lake House, yeah. LBJ. speaker-0: Dixon's late. speaker-1: ⁓ yeah. speaker-2: We were at home if we didn't go anywhere, I remember ⁓ always going to Grand and Pop's and getting on that balcony. Yeah. Watching that was fun. Wow. It was neat to watch all the San Antonio fireworks. Yeah. speaker-1: Sugar. Yeah. speaker-0: Your Фром all дирекшен. speaker-3: Gunshots. speaker-1: ⁓ yeah. speaker-0: Not at that time. That was in the sixties. speaker-1: So what food do you associate with ⁓ our family or your own family's Fourth of July celebrations? Watermelon. That's exactly what mine was. Watermelon. I I probably only eat watermelon around July fourth, but ⁓ that definitely when I was thinking about that. speaker-3: Hamburgers. ⁓ speaker-2: Dogs. speaker-0: Watermelon. Water Always had a good watermelon. speaker-1: Pick ⁓ It's all in the thump, right? There are any other family stories that come to mind besides the one Cheryl shared when we talk about our July fourth celebrations? speaker-0: Yeah, I guess. speaker-3: One ⁓ Jordan when we lived here in Gerald and he was he was like three, maybe four years old, and the Casey was out in the street with the kids popping firecrackers and he went inside and he got oven mitts on and a catcher's vest on and came out with glasses on, ready to pop firecrackers. He was totally prepared and safety first. I he couldn't pop any yes, could not pop any because he couldn't get his oven mittens off but he was not gonna get hurt popping firecrackers, not lose a hand or anything. So speaker-1: Did any of speaker-3: I don't think so. Yeah. Not that they told us about. speaker-0: Yeah. True. speaker-1: So kind of shifting to patriotism, what values did our parents teach us about being American? speaker-0: I think for me it was the importance of voting. Dad he always did his due diligence and I re well when I got to first v vote, he wanted to make sure I understood about all the candidates and knew what I was doing. And so I think just that freedom to vote was important to him. speaker-1: Yeah. I ⁓ speaker-2: think ⁓ I remember that they they taught us to have respect ⁓ for our country and to be independent and hard w working responsible and be involved like ⁓ we talked about in the prior episode in our communities. Yeah, I think Susan nailed it, taught us to vote. speaker-0: Yeah. Something too though, Cheryl, y that now that you mentioned that, I always saw them having great respect and teaching us great respect for veterans. You know, telling ⁓ letting them know they appreciated their service. Of course, dad's father in the military and was gone like five years ⁓ of his life. And so I'm sure dad knew what that meant, the sacrifice that these men had made. So that may have been another reason he speaker-3: Yeah. speaker-0: wanted us to appreciate these men and women. speaker-3: Yeah. Mine is just to love your country and to and to respect it. You know, and that includes voting and yeah, it just includes all of it. But to love it. We live in such an amazing country where we do have freedom and not to take that for granted either. speaker-1: Dad is such a history buff, and we've talked about in previous episodes about stopping at every historical marker. But I think the reason behind that is because he never wants us to forget where our countries come from and not make the same mistakes that were made and such. And I think that that's one of the the lessons that they passed on to us for sure. So Has your understanding of what patriotism is, how has that evolved with as you've gotten older? speaker-3: I think mine has evolved. I I love this country more today than I ever have. I think that yeah, we have some issues, but I love living here and I love the freedom that we have and just the people here. But with Brandon and Trevor going into the Marines and serving that commitment and that sacrifice that they were willing to give everything for this country made me even more patriotic. That right. They're just two and there's hundreds of thousands of kids that love this country so much that they're willing to give their lives for it and many have. And and I think a lot of people take that for granted. They think that it just happened and it didn't just happen. Right. speaker-0: I kind of come off of Stacy that the sacrifice I've grown to love this country more because it was fought hard for by men who cared about the direction it was going and could have gone had they not fought. And so because of that sacrifice that Stacy was talking about, I want to make sure in my lifetime that it their sacrifice was for nothing. I want them, you know, I want to make sure I keep what they sacrificed for the and the reasons and for the values that they did it for. speaker-1: Going. speaker-2: One thing that and this is just my perspective, it doesn't have anything to do with anybody else. It kinda saddens me. Used to it was normal for everyone to be respectful and, you know, stand for the national anthem. And now it's almost ⁓ I would say a little bit abnormal to have respect for our country. We should never elevate our country above God or family or anything at all. But I I think that if people have traveled outside of this country, you would have a lot better grasp on what we have here. And and like Stacy said, whoo, we are far from perfect. We are we have a lot of things that we need to work on. But I think we should try to stay respectful because so many men and women have died for the freedom that we have to have to be able to not stand for the national anthem. Yeah. Yeah. So that's my two cents. speaker-1: Like s Susan and Stacy addressed as far as voting, ⁓ it was important to us. But when Cherokee was born and got to an age that I felt like she could understand, I made it a point to take her with me when I went to the voting booth because I wanted her to get used to that process and ⁓ not be afraid because it's it's kind of different going in your first time. And I know that when she moved to Houston, she called me and said I've got to find where I can vote. And I was so proud of her because it's something that we had stressed throughout her growing up. And it was something that she was taking up and and continuing. And I I just appreciated that so much. What are some of the things about America that make you proud? speaker-0: Our democracy. speaker-3: Yeah. speaker-2: I like that w our country was built on Christian principles and I always see our country jump in when there's a a disaster in other countries. We are, you know, one of the first countries to go and offer help well take help, take money, take supplies. So I appreciate that about our country. I love speaker-3: That most people I think love the country and are patriotic. And if they are, they're not afraid to show it and to talk about it and fly the flag and just show that, hey, I love where I live and because of the democracy that we have. speaker-1: You know, we talked about in our previous episode the big cities and the small towns. And if you look at the United States, the people that appr tend to appreciate our country the most are that middle section. ⁓ not the the huge LAs and the New Yorks of the nation, but just small town America truly appreciates the freedoms, the freedoms that we have. And a lot of people have not traveled outside the United States. So they don't see that other countries don't get these same type freedoms that we often take for granted. So that's something that I am so proud of our country for. Speaking of freedoms, which ones do you appreciate the most today? speaker-0: I appreciate the freedom of worship. You know, we can have Bible studies in our own home. We can have a Bible. We can go to any center of worship that we want. And there are many, many different choices and and religions. And that's a part of that freedom of worship. I also appreciate our self-government that we have been given the opportunity to use and to self govern every state, even being different. So speaker-1: All of us have heard of of countries that they literally risk death just to get together and gather in the name of the Lord. And we just don't have anything like that in this country. speaker-3: Yeah, I think we do take that for granted. One thing that I love about this country, but it's also something that disappoints me a lot, is that you can sit for the pledge or, you know, the star spangled banner. You have that right to do that. People fought for that. But it does disappoint me to see people do that. Yeah. speaker-1: Yeah. I think the freedom to move about our country freely is a right that we just I mean, if we want to get in the car and drive twelve hours, fourteen, twenty-four hours, we have that freedom and there are countries that don't. Also the freedom to protect ourselves. I think that that's the biggest thing we've recently heard with those coming over for the World Cup is a lot of them are going to gun ranges. just because they don't have that ability in their own countries. And they just, it's not, it's not about what the gun could be used for. It's just the ex experience of using it. And I just thought that was really funny because that that's like secondhand to us, especially here in Texas, where we can open carry and you know not be bothered about that. And then finally the the freedom to sometimes disagree with our president and our our nation's leaders. When Cheryl and I went to Thailand many years ago, about 15 years ago, they were in the midst of political turmoil. And if you spoke their nation's leader's name, you could be arrested. And that was just so beyond our comprehension. We were warned about that several times that we were not even allowed to speak his name. And I just thought, wow, And and the ability to openly disagree with our nation's leaders is, you know, something that we just once again take for granted so much. So how do you express patriotism on a daily basis, these ⁓ at this point? speaker-0: I mentioned it earlier. I just letting veterans know how much you appreciate them, whether it's, you know, just going right up to them and telling them that you appreciate their sacrifice or paying for their meal in a restaurant. You know, that's just a very simple and easy way to say thank you. We speaker-2: We're in restaurant the other day and it was a small restaurant. ⁓ it was in Lake Charles, Louisiana. And a man came in the restaurant and went to every table and asked, Are you a veteran? Are you serving? And there were probably ten tables. It is small. And if you were, he picked up your tap. Wow. Such a nice gesture. You know, and he d he wasn't making a big deal out of it. We just, you know, we're always like speaker-1: And I thought speaker-2: wanting to talk to everybody. So we were wondering what what is he coming to our table? We didn't have any vets at our table. So but I thought it was really cool. speaker-1: Neat. Yeah. speaker-3: One thing that we do is we signed up for the Gerald High School Band. They come and put a flag in our yard every patriotic holiday. So Memorial Day, Flag Day, July fourth, Veterans Days. All of ⁓ we have a flag flying and and they come and do it. They put it up, they take it down. And I love that. I I want to fly a flag year round. We're just not there yet. ⁓ we haven't put that up yet. But, you know, to show that we love where we live. And then I think you n nailed it, Shelley, not forgetting what we do have here and listening to people who come and experience what we have and think it's awesome because it is awesome. But when you live here every day, you tend to forget it. Yeah. speaker-0: organization Shelly that you were in to well, I think maybe you and Cheryl both did it w ⁓ with the motorcycle. speaker-2: Main mainly Shelley, but yeah. speaker-1: Patriot Guards, yeah. ⁓ speaker-0: Wow. That I mean, that was a beautiful organization and what they stood for. Yeah. speaker-1: Yeah. For those who maybe not familiar with that, it was a group of motorcyclists that would honor vets at their funerals. In some cases, there weren't other family members to do it, and they would sh show up in droves and just stand outside the funeral with flags at attention. I was a cager driving one of the cars. Just an awesome time in my life. My husband happened to be a contractor over in Iraq at the time. And that was my way of giving back while I was on this side. And he was giving to the soldiers and providing them the means to contact their family back home, which I was very proud of him for. speaker-0: And also just by f putting a flag on your home, you know, just letting people know how patriotic you are. I mean, I think that's that's you're proud to be an American. Yeah. speaker-2: I'm proud to be an American No, that's later. speaker-1: B Okay. Lacey alluded to people that have served in the military with two of her sons having served. I just want to say that it was such an honor to go to their marine boot camp graduation and just be a part of that pomp and circumstance and everything that surrounded it. It was just, I mean, you just stayed with chill bumps the whole time. Because it was just an amazing experience. And I am very proud of Brandon and Trevor for their service. speaker-3: believe it was Trevor who graduated on Memorial Day weekend. Do you remember that? And what an honor it was to be there and to experience that on such a patriotic weekend, you know, one that you have so much thankfulness for because of what people have given, you know, sacrificed everything. And to see large groups of young people, men and women signing up for that. And on that day. That was so special. It was it was an amazing weekend. Yeah. speaker-1: Yeah, I'm I'm glad we got to go to both of those because it was something we reflect on often. speaker-0: And we have several others. I mean, of course, Dad's father was in the navy. speaker-3: I think dad's dad was in the marines. He was a marine. Dad was pretty excited when the boys went into the marines because of that. speaker-0: ⁓ well see I thought it was. James was in the navy. Jamie Kay was in the navy and her husband. We had several sir from our family. ⁓ and my husband's dad was in the navy. And speaker-2: My husband's death was in the army. speaker-1: In addition to those, my father in law ⁓ served a lifetime in the military and my brother in law actually received a Purple Heart for his vices in Vietnam. And so it it runs deep and we are so proud of all those that have served. speaker-0: Yes. And very thankful for the speaker-1: Okay. So I want to share the screen and let y'all watch a portion of a video. It's a couple that I follow that are from the UK. They've traveled over to the United States on three different occasions, going through almost 20 states, and they're watching now the videos that I'm sure you have seen foreigners coming over to the United States for the first time because of the World Cup and what they're actually experiencing. Because we don't realize as Americans how badly we are portrayed to the other countries. And they're coming over here and their minds are being blown because it's nothing like their media is portraying us. And I just I love that. I I seek those videos out on YouTube because they make me so proud. I'm so proud of the kindness. And the generosity and the patriotism that our fellow Americans are showing these foreigners that are here first because they are nervous, but now they are coming and ⁓ j they're just their minds are just being blown. So let me share this with y'all real quick. I'm true. speaker-4: Everything in it is bigger and better. People are getting a real experience right now of America. And I I'm I'm glad the World Cup is in America. I'm glad people are having to go there for the football. Yeah. You guys call it soccer. Because it's opening everybody's eyes up to how amazing and diverse America really is and huge. ⁓ And maybe, hopefully now, the world is starting to realize how amazing you are. speaker-3: And speaker-1: So they go on and talk about different things and it it's just so fun to watch them. And I mean, that's just one example of probably I don't even know how many I've watched personally of people from France and a guy from South Africa. Okay, we ran into some technical difficulty there, but we are back. I wanted to ask what American related lesson from our childhood still influences you today? speaker-0: For me it was just the appreciation for history. shelley alluded to earlier about stopping at every historical marker throughout this country. But the reason for that was just the appreciation of where we came from because it helps us to understand where we're going. It under s it helps us to understand who we are. And so I think the appreciation of history. Yeah. speaker-3: agree with that Susan, that appreciation of history and being grateful for it. speaker-2: Yes. And now it makes it easier for dad because they have a number on the historical marker. So you don't you don't have to pull over. We just go by and tap it into our phones. But ⁓ speaker-0: Yeah. Where was that when we were little? speaker-1: Woo, isn't that true? speaker-3: But it comes up in all of our memories. So speaker-1: Yeah, it does. So mine is when former President Lyndon Johnson passed away in nineteen seventy-three. Our dad loaded us up and took us to his in state. We waited for hours into the night to walk past his casket. And even though his politics did not align with our fathers, it was important to our dad to teach us to respect the office. And I think that's a memory that all of us hold. You know, Stacy was four, I was six, you know, but it I remember it. And it definitely made an impact on my life. When we were speaker-2: growing up we lived near Randolph Air Force Base and I remember in elementary school especially we would have ⁓ patriotic musicals in our school. That's w the choir would present ⁓ And I just thought that was so cool. And I I don't think any I have never been to one other than when we were growing up. So have y'all do y'all ever see those any speaker-3: I was in one but it was the bicentennial. I was in first grade, so it was seventy six. speaker-2: Seventy six. ⁓ wow. speaker-3: And we dressed up as Betsy Ross and Uncle Sam and I remember that and and I'm sad that we're not seeing that for the 250th. I know. It I remember it being a huge deal. I remember looking at houses somewhere and somebody had bicentennial wallpaper in their bathroom. And I thought, this will have to be removed. But I thought, you know, it was that big of a deal. speaker-1: Yeah. So what does home mean to you when you think about America? Well speaker-0: On the Star Spangled Banner, we hear land of the free, home of the brave. And I think those two things, freedom, bravery, courage that these men and women have taken to go and and fight for our countries, all of that to me, when I think of home, is is love because there's no fear in love. God's word says perfect love casts out all fear. And so I know that they have to love others and their country to go do that. for us. So I think of those things. speaker-3: Yeah, I agree with you, Susan. It it is the brave and the free. And it it isn't free. Freedom isn't free. Right. And that sacrifice. speaker-1: Having traveled to many other countries and thoroughly enjoy when I do, when I think of home as America, I think of family. And to me that goes right along with what you're saying about love and and just remembering the sacrifices that enable us to have the freedoms that we have here. Okay. Something fun. What song best captures your feelings about America? I think speaker-3: I have two. The first one is Proud to Be an American. I know. Okay, that's it. And the second is Toby Keith. What is it called? Toby Keith's song, where he says, We'll put a boot in your ass. That one. Love that song. I I think it's the Marine Mom coming out in me, but I love that song. speaker-1: Still got the name wrong. speaker-2: Let's the USA. ⁓ speaker-1: I love speaker-3: He wrote it right after nine eleven and in one thing that it reminds me of every time that I hear it is we need to live like it's September twelfth, you know, the love and the togetherness. speaker-1: Mine is first one was God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood. The second one is God Bless America. If you listen to those lyrics, you just cannot help but be proud. And then finally, ⁓ This Land Is Your Land by Woody Guthrie. Just for the record, Texas is mentioned twice because we're extra special. Those would be the songs that capture my feelings about America. So as we celebrate another Fourth of July, what are you most grateful for, both as a member of this family and as an American? Faith. ⁓ speaker-0: Family freedom. speaker-3: Yes. And the ability to have all of those. Yes. The it just all goes with the sacrifices that were made for us to do. speaker-2: Yeah. I said God, love for each other and freedom. speaker-1: Well, I am thankful for my family and especially you guys and for this podcast which enables us to get together every week and catch up and share stories and hopefully our listeners this resonates with you and your appreciation for the United States. We do have some out of United States listeners. Apparently we're hitting it big in Kenya, but in Malaysia appreciate. all of our listeners. We want to hear your comments. What were your July fourth celebrations like? And what are you doing in in anticipation for this big two fifty coming up in just a couple of days? And we look forward to hearing that. from you. For the following week, we are getting to have Stacy hosting episode 20, which is going to be this is going to be fun, pop culture deep dives. And we look forward to hearing what she has ⁓ in anticipation for that. Until then, life is messy, meaningful, and better when shared. Thank you for listening. Don't speaker-0: Forget to like us. speaker-2: Share us. speaker-1: Comment speaker-3: Subscribe. Happy Independence Day. Happy Coracle. speaker-0: Think speaker-2: It's going. speaker-1: What just now? That was good too. ⁓ are you I forgot to start it. No. Now it's twenty four seconds. Had some really meaty information. I'm so sorry. Blew that one. speaker-2: Kidding me? No, you started it. speaker-0: You started?