Where I come from

I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives.  I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.  ~Abraham Lincoln

Growing up I never truly valued my hometown. Don't get me wrong, I had nothing against it...it was just one of those things where I wanted to move away to college and get a job working in a big ol' city. My hometown is the perfect low-key, you know people but not exactly their entire life story kinda town. A town that is perfect for settling down and raising a family.

Just not a single girl town.

Today I realized how much I really do value my hometown and how I have never been more proud to say it's where I am from and where I call home.

Yesterday I did a post about how our community lost one of our own, he died August 4th in combat in Afghanistan.

Yesterday was his homecoming.

I wasn't able to attend, but I am ever so grateful for the many residents that literally stopped what they were doing and came out to wave flags, show off their home made posters, and honor the man who fought and died for our country.

These are just a few pictures, taken by my local city paper...as I looked through these pictures, I was overcome with so much pride to not only be an American but to be from this town that I have always called home.

If you were to ask me what I think America is. This is it.  People from all walks of life, from retired military, business men/women, teachers, children, fireman, police officers, bikers...everyone rallying together to celebrate the life of someone they may have never known. They were lined up on the highway for miles and miles. There wasn't an empty spot.

I have never been more proud to not only be an American, but to say that this town...is where I come from.

God bless America.

Photo credit via here