Here it is, another July 4th. America is having another birthday. And she is still the greatest country on this earth. She has her problems…what country doesn’t? But I can’t think of any other place on earth that I would rather live than here.
This country is great for many reasons. Most, I don’t even have to list here. But, I will mention a few. She is great because of her diversity, and because she was founded on Christian principles. The Pledge of Allegience call her one nation, UNDER GOD, indivisible. That, along with the very wording of our Constitution, and Declaration of Independence, tells us that God figured very much inthe founding and birth of this nation. That we seem to choose to forget that troubles me, a lot.
America is great because she is known for reaching out and helping people. Not only those here in our own country, but, throughout the world. We send aid to people and countries all over the world, and endeavor to help them in many different ways. We receive many immigrants here every day. Many of them coming here with great hope, and a prayer for a better life.
America is a great nation because of her determination. From the start, our forefathers were determined that this nation should be a free nation, and that all men should have the opportunity to pursue life, and have a happy, fulfilling life. She stands determined to defend herself against those who would try to do her harm. We saw that determination come into play when Pearl Harbor was attacked, and on September 11th.
Unfortunately ,our memory seems to be shorter now, and we find ourselves bickering over political correctness, and how to “Not offend” someone else. But, in the end, we are strong and will work out these issues. Because we ARE a great nation.
There are things we take for granted every day that arepart of what makes us great. All over this nation, there are volunteers, who are willing to put their lives on the line, and help out their neighbors. the first thing that comes to mind whan I say this is the score of volunteer firefighters who make up more than 50% of the nations fire protection force. Many of your neighbors are probably members of one of these departments. We never think about them, until we need them. But they are out there, and stand ready to respond when needed, whether it be a car accident, a house fire, or whatever. And they do it without pay, because they love their communities, and their country. Our paid firefighters do the same. But they are paid. This is not said to take anything away from the marvelous job that they do.
We have a volunteer military. No draft. NO mandate to young men and women that they have to serve. And yet, we have the greatest military in the WORLD. Why? Because these brave young men and women care about their country. They are a part of what maeks us great.
We have freedoms here that other countries in the world would dare give their citizens. We can freely disagree with our government, and vote to make changes in it. We have the right to question decisions made by the government, without fear of being thrown in jail, or executed because of it.
I could go on, but, I think you get the idea. America is a great nation because we, the people have shaped her that way. She may stumble a bit, but, retains her footing and continues on. Because she is strong and proud.
So on this July 4th, pause a moment and reflect on what we have, and then say a prayer of thanks for the many blessings we enjoy, and a prayer for those who even on this day are on guard around the world, and in our hometowns, to keep us that way. The land of the free, and the home of the brave!
Happy Birthday, America! Long may your flag wave!
