TBT: The Star Spangled Banner by Sarah Afshar

As today we celebrate Independence Day in America, I wanted to share some throwback (today is Thursday, after all) of me singing "The Star Spangled Banner" on Smule last year in 2018. I know I have probably shared this recording various times, but I never get tired of it, as I am not only proud of this recording, but proud to be an American who loves her life, her liberty and is always in pursuit of happiness. And did I mention I love my country? I love the United States of America and honored to be living here. #MAGA

 

To listen to my rendition of the Star Spangled Banner simply watch (or listen) to the video above. If it does not play, simply click here right now. I highly suggest listening with headphones, as I recorded this directly from the app using my voice and my iPhone. Happy 4th of July everyone!

Happy Independence Day

238 years ago the 13 original colonies of the United States were announced and were identified as sovereign states. Although Declaration Of Independence was a work in progress, it was officially ratified on July 4th 1776 which is 238 years ago from today.

As we celebrate this amazing day with our loved ones, always keep in mind that we live in the home of the free and the land of the brave. 

With that I said, I share with you pictures of the fireworks in downtown Pittsburgh that I took one year ago today. The fireworks will start in a few hours, so I wanted to share these. 

Happy Independence Day!



Fireworks Display in Pittsburgh, PA 2013

 

Thursday, July 4th 2013 at a little after 9:45 PM in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the fireworks were set off for the entire city to see, kicking off the July 4th celebration and Independence Day festivities. Although I have lived in Pittsburgh for years prior, I wasn't able to discover the fireworks until 7/4/13. As Pittsburgh has a reputation of being one of the best cities to display the best fireworks in the United States, I truly loved being a part of this experience and even more grateful to capture it on video. Sorry if the video was shaky, I also was taking pictures from my iPhone.

 

If you can't see the video above, simply click here.

2013: Happy Independence Day

Today I spent my 4th of July with Joe reminiscing the joys of being an American citizen. As many of you may or may not know, my boyfriend served in the United Armed Forces (US military) for several years. In fact, when I first met Joe he was working in the Army National Guard. At that time, I was only 17 years old. He was 19. 

He and all talked about the memories of meeting in 1998 and what he went through while serving in the United States military from 1998 until 2002. I am extremely fascinated by his stories. A lot of what he has shared is incredibly intense and I am deeply reminded of his bravery. 

When I look at history, the United States has been through a lot yet still remains standing as the greatest country in the world. History speaks for itself and I am honored to be a citizen of the United States. Currently, I am in the steel city of Pittsburgh where I went to college and of course I am here with Joe. 

The day was filled with great food (veggie burgers, veggie dogs, potato salad, root beer floats, etc.), great conversation (liberty is one thing I love to exercise on a daily basis) and a celebration of fireworks (in downtown Pittsburgh) and real, tried and true happiness. When I hear songs like "God Bless The USA" and "Stars and Stripes Forever" I am happy. And when I look at fireworks, I am reminded of how lucky I am to live in the home of the free and the land of the brave. 

What more can I say? Happy Birthday America! Happy Independence Day!