Thanks Betsy and the rest of the gang.

"O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!"

For me, and most everyone, this is a very patriotic time of the year. Sure there's the obvious—the 4th of July—but it's more than just one day and a bunch of fireworks, parades and such. With blue skies in greater abundance,  summer finally here— more flags are gracing porches, store fronts and poles around the US. The red, white and blue are rich in color, flowing across the plaines, concrete kingdoms, and most important—-in the hearts of Americans all across the land. 

This is why I love this time of the year.

Sure, it doesn't hurt the weather is what we all pray for during the grey skies of winter in the Midwest, but there is something magical about seeing a huge flag in the distance expanded outward with ripples flowing through it. If you have trouble visualizing this, I suggest you step outside, take a walk or drive down your street, and come back to read "Snap.Shot." as it will then make much more sense to you.

For the last few days I have been in Kansas City, MO; this is by far one of my favorite towns I cover for business. It's a hidden gem. Even traveling through the airport is easy. You don't have to go through long lines and walk miles to the gate. You literally walk up to the gate, stand in line, and voila you're in. I assume they didn't get the memo about how travel is supposed to be a pain. 

While in KC, I was fortunate to see some of the largest, most beautiful, flags; I saw them on buildings, in windows and as noted in the photo above…in Union Station. Normally I don't discuss the photo until later, but this location reminded me of Grand Central Station in New York. Only difference…less people, clutter and chaos. It was like Old Glory just hung as the hero of the hall. From any angle, it took center stage. It was just beautiful. I believe every large building should have a gigantic flag on its wall.

While there, literally hundreds of children milled about waiting to go into a room and watch a movie about the history of Union Station. I watched…and noticed…not one of them even saw the flag was right above them. Part of me was happy to be able to spend time appreciating its presence one on one, but part of me was sad it was being ignored. The flag is the most important symbol of America…at least in my eyes. I am sure the Michael Jordan Statue outside the United Center would get some votes…not as I see it. 

The lyrics and photo above are very important to me. During the weekend after September 11, I was in Temple for the High Holidays; for the first time, the congregation sang, "America The Beautiful;" it lived up to the name…it was and is a beautiful song. For the first time I really read the lyrics—a real tribute to the land I am proud to call home. Like the lyrics, there is nothing more beautiful than Betsy Ross's work from so long ago, I am just happy it is so well displayed cross the land.

Thanks for stopping by.