Our last visit ended around 1950.  The Korean War was on most Americans minds.  We were just getting use to a more peaceful time when war clouds once again appeared on the horizon.  Now it was my time to defend the freedoms our neighbors had done for me some ten plus years earlier.  As in World War II,  four of my classmates returned in a flag draped coffin.  For some unknown reason I was spared the combat experience.  Now I am awaken as their blood cries out in defense of the freedoms for which they had made the ultimate sacrifice in order for ....America.... to remain proud and free.  Upon my return from the military I was privileged to attend ETSU and witnessed first hand the honorable desegregation of the University.  You will note I have discussed some of my personal black vs white relations.  I did so to show skin color should have no bearing on our respect one for another.  After another conflict in the 60s called the ....Viet Nam.... War our nation experienced several years free of military conflict; however, the terrorist attack on ..9-11-01.. resulted in deployment of our men and women for military action in ....Iraq.... and ....Afghanistan.... which continues even to this  day. No words can express our gratitude for their sacrifice.  Some have given their lives to preserve the precious freedoms we enjoy in the land of the free.  I honestly believe freedom is God’s gift to ....America.....  His bountiful love and our acknowledgement of His love has made this country great. In the past twenty years or so I have seen a move to radically change our home of the brave and land of the free. Recent apologies for our past has been hailed by our leaders as a means of making friends and influencing people around the world.  This is most disturbing.  Also the Judeo-Christian religion, in my opinion, has taken a back seat to more radical beliefs springing up in ...America.... and around the world.  I am concerned that freedom of speech and religion soon will be dictated by the government rather than by the people. May God once more have mercy on ....America.....

      It is time for us  to stand up and take our ....America.... back. Being a Mountain Singer/Songwriter, I recently wrote a song called “America Come Back.”  It has simple lyrics with a heart felt mountain melody. A non-professional rendition can be heard on my web site.  I am working to make it  available on CD and possible video too.  Here is a sampling of the lyrics  “....America.... come back we plead…....America.... land of the free…. Come back to what you use to be.  A God fearing land of liberty.   Come back to what you know is right and honor those who died in the fight. To these shores our founders came.  Democracy they did attain.  The powers that be are calling for change.  Socialist is their game.  We pray each day it will not be.  O’Lord please keep ....America.... free.”