The picture of the White House could have only looked better had there been a stiff breeze to unfurl that grand old flag.
I get choked up inside when I see it fully extended waving in a breeze with a deep blue sky background. It is a flag for all peoples. It represents courage, bravery, strength, heartbreak in spilling of blood for freedoms sake. Your country and most of Europe held it dear, as they where freed from tyranny. Sadly so much has had to change. No one "owes" America anything for favors performed, other then to join with us for pursuing true freedom for all that seek it.
In this, your country are amoung those nations that have choosen to support freedom. Your soldiers that have died, and currently serve in Iraq, shall not be forgotten.
Protecting and dying to maintain the freedoms of ones own are patriotic. Protecting and dying for the freedoms of those that cannot do for themselves is both full of Honor, and of a Godly nature. Thanks from one American to the Italian people for not pulling out support of this effort to free a formally oppressed peoples. You show the world you stand on the side of what many consider a righteous cause.
Great post. Thank you.