Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling and Patriotic Things
As I’m sitting here, struggling to find the right words, the only thing I can think of are song lyrics. John Mellencamp’s raspy voice is crooning in my ear…
“Well, I was born in a small town. And I live in a small town. Probably die in a small town. Oh, those small communities…”
Grove City is an idyllic small town. Everyone knows everyone. The church bells still chime to mark the hours of the day. Our kids stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance to start the school day. And Friday night home football games are still the best and only thing going on. Just before our Eagles take the field, the crowd rises to their feet and turns to face the flag. As the high school band plays the first notes of The Star Spangled Banner, my heart flutters in my chest.
As the song builds, so do my emotions. And here’s the part that really resonates…
“And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air. Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
At a glance, it’s fabric and thread… but woven into those fibers is so much more. It’s everything, really, those stars and stripes. Fifty stars to represent the fifty states, thirteen stripes that represent the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain – it’s the most potent symbol of freedom. That freedom was, is, and always will be protected by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. On Memorial Day, we honor those who willingly made the ultimate sacrifice.
This sweet little ring from the late 1800’s is reminiscent of our flag… red for valor, white for purity and blue for vigilance and justice. The red and blue stones are synthetic, but authentic and original to the ring. The white center is a genuine moonstone; also original to the ring. Nestled into a 10-karat rosy gold band, these gemstones shine with patriotic pride for just $475.00.
No one has ever said it better than Lee Greenwood…
“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I’ll gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today. Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land. God bless the USA.”
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
