I am PROUD to be an AMERICANby 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 givenfathers brought forth on thisfreedom 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 wereNow 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 justWe have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that 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 livingBut, 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 thatthis 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 andIt is for us the living,

defend her still today.rather, to be dedicated here

‘Cause there is no doubt I love thisto 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 and 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 thereshall 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 LincolnNovember 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.