I am PROUD to be an AMERICAN by

I am PROUD to be an AMERICAN by Julie Gettings

I am PROUD to be an AMERICAN by Julie Gettings (This book was Inspired by Artist: Lee Greenwood and his song and lyrics: Proud To Be An American) Author’s note: This book is to be read in the following manner: The song (bold text) is read first; then the italicized text in between(Gettysburg Address) is read next.

I am proud to be an American. Four score and seven years ago our This great nation has given fathers brought forth on this freedom to many people. continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, Many have sacrificed their lives and dedicated to the proposition that all men are so that we can be safe in our country. created equal.

If tomorrow all the things were Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. gone I'd worked for all my life, We are met on a great battle-field of that war. And I had to start again with just We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that nation might live. my children and my wife. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

I'd thank my lucky stars to be living But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate here today, -- we can not consecrate -- - ‘Cause the flag still stands for -- we can not hallow -- freedom and they can't take that this ground. away.

I'm proud to be an American where The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, at least I know I'm free. have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. I won't forget the men who died, The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, who gave that right to me. but it can never forget what they did here.

I'd gladly stand up next to you and It is for us the living, defend her still today. rather, to be dedicated here ‘Cause there is no doubt I love this to the unfinished work which they who fought here land, God bless the U. S. A. have thus far so nobly advanced.

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the It is rather for us to be here hills of Tennessee, dedicated to the great task across the plains of Texas, from sea remaining before us to shining sea. . .

From Detroit down to Houston and --- that from these honored dead New York to LA, we take increased devotion Well, there's pride in every to that cause for which they gave American heart, the last full measure of devotion and it's time to stand say. . .

I'm proud to be an American where -- that we here highly resolve at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, that these dead who gave that right to me. shall not have died in vain

I'd gladly stand up next to you and –that this nation, under God, defend her still today, because there shall have a new birth of freedom – is no doubt I love this land. and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, God bless the U. S. A. shall not perish from the earth. Abraham Lincoln November 19, 1863

Yes, I’M proud to be an American. YOU need to be proud to be an American. “Freedom is NEVER Free”

Julie Gettings is an English teacher at the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center. She is a graduate of Shenango High School and Slippery Rock University. Julie would like to dedicate this book to her son, USMC Cpl. Albert Pasquale Gettings, who was killed on January 5, 2006 in Fallujah, Iraq. Cpl. Gettings was defending his country and protecting his fellow marines. This book is also dedicated to her husband, David, who faithfully sings at community events, “I’m Proud to be an American” in honor of their son and all the military heroes that serve our country.