The Patriotic Tribute from RFD-TV's The American Rodeo 'Why I Stand'

During RFD-TV's The American Rodeo, produced by John Morris and John Ketelhut, fans were treated to a moving video of Meredith Looney LaMirande's poem, "Why I Stand."

Why I Stand, by Meredith LaMirande

I don’t do it out of obligation,

I don’t do it because I’m told.

I don’t do it because I was trained,

I don’t do it to be bold.

I stand for our National Anthem, because I’m forever grateful to be free.

I stand for the Anthem to respect, those before me.

The broad stripes and bright stars, are symbols of freedom which is rare.

The type of freedom that was won, while bombs burst in the air.

I stand for bravery dating back, to the Revolutionary War.

Battling the greatest army, not knowing what was in store.

I stand for the heroes who stormed Normandy, that fatal day.

Accepting that the ultimate sacrifice, might be the price to pay.

I stand for our twin towers, as a tribute that we have not forgotten.

I salute our military for ending, our fear that was Bin Ladin.

Our children are born, with rights and freedoms at birth.

How blessed are we to live, in the greatest nation on Earth.

Where democracy is our foundation, and there is opportunity for all.

A country free from oppression, our Lady Liberty stands tall.

A first class military whose dedication, is second to none.

Patriots ready to perform, when the war must be won.

We have wounded warriors who would return, if only they could,

Doing more for this country, than any single person should.

Heroes have fallen, their caskets draped in red, white and blue.

Stand up, sing along, their lives were given for you.

So as long as the star spangled banner, yet wave.

I stand for the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

[margeguyton]

Glad to be an American!! Never will forget!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[yepperdeedooda]

I may not have been born here, but I love this country more than you can imagine.

[ntxwoods]

I love this country, as a 24 year old man. I will never stop defending it.

[leighlofgren]

I was born in Sydney, Australia and been a US citizen for 30yrs - love this country more than anything and just the greatest country ever - we need to remember our heroes, our country and our freedom. Many of my relatives were in the military and my late Uncle was one of the commanders on D-day - these men and women are our heroes and let's never forget their service.

[lorenzomaximo]

I'm a Vietnam veteran. I always stand and salute the flag.

[michaelhunting]

I'm 27 years old and I will always stand till the day I die

[debgbls]

My Dad didn’t come home 😢 I will not let his death be in vain! 🇺🇸🙏🏼🙌🏻

[sammmarti]

Thank you for this ..every American should watch it ..God Bless American

[pettykid]

Absolutely beautiful...God Bless America!

[annguerriero]

I stand and am honored to do so because of the sacrifices of so many, because I love my country and because this country has given me so much. May God bless America.

[naojstew]

I stand for the flag- I have since I was a little girl !!

[tomcrouch]

Thank you for this tribute. Tom, 42nd artillery U.S. Army. 1961 - 1967.

[michelleekstrom]

Such a beautiful tribute to our veterans, our country and our freedoms we have because of our brave men & women in our military❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[DD-bnmx]

I just played this and my dog started howling, he knows.

[Fred_Nickles]

"For the people that don't come home, or who CANT stand...we stand for them"

WE STAND FOR THEM 🇺🇸

[sealisa]

My family always flew a big beautiful American flag at house on the Jersey shore. My Dad raised it and took it day every day. One of life’s great rituals. God Bless America.

[BD-xitv]

My Dad served his country, I will always stand proud of him and so many others that served this country so I have FREEDOM! I will always defend America and the great American Flag!

[jacquemccoy]

When you hear taps at a funeral in a cemetery, you know freedom is not free. Every time I say the Pledge, I mean every word! I respect and honor our flag🇺🇸. This nation was built on respect, and faith! God Bless our flag, that so many have died to protect!

[dawn]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!♥️♥️♥️ AMERICANS STAND UP for your Constitution and all of those who gave their LIVES to keep us FREE!! Thank you Lord God for our country !

[Queenyforever]

Thank is beautiful. My husband spent 23 yrs in. Retired Master Chief....His oldest brother was Marine, BIL was Air Force, younger Brother ALL tears falling for those we lost....and with hearts swelling for being able to serve.