I want to invite everyone to share a story about independence or the 4th of July that meant something to them. As I was thinking of a story I could share, I realized that freedom was something I cherished very early on in life. I remember a patriotic assembly we had in elementary school when I was about 10. The school was presented with a flag that had been flown over the US capital in Washington DC. we had the usual patriotic songs and presentations. We had visitors from Iran, Cambodia, Germany who all shared their stories about coming to America for freedom. There was also a group of Soviet INF Inspectors that came to speak from the USSR. One of the soviet men said I reminded him of his son in Russia and gave me a pin, that I still have today. I noticed that the quality of the pin was very poor compared to the pins we have here. A small reminder of how freedom leads to better results.
I don't remember much of what was said in the assembly, but in seeing these men visiting from a communist country, and the other immigrants from around the globe, what I went away with was a deep appreciation for living in a free country. I was thankful to live somewhere where I knew my God given rights were protected and that I was free to pursue my own happiness. I felt proud that day of my country, and proud that we were a beacon of hope for the entire world; a place people would sacrifice anything to come to. Many of the founders sacrificed everything to create such a place, and to secure our God given rights and Freedoms. I'm thankful for their sacrifice, as well as the sacrifices of countless others that have come after them. It seems each generation has their own opportunity and responsibility to fight to protect freedom. I hope we are all doing our part in our day to earn this precious gift that has been given to us. God bless America and have a happy 4th of July everyone!!
Anyone else have a good memory or some thoughts to share as we near independence day?
As I read your post a poem came to mind. My oldest brother handed me this poem just as I stepped off the plane coming home from my mission. It has always reminded me of how great this country is.
ReplyDelete"AMERICA FOR ME" - Henry Van Dyke
'TIS fine to see the Old World, and travel up and down
Among the famous palaces and cities of renown,
To admire the crumbly castles and the statues of the kings,—
But now I think I've had enough of antiquated things.
So it's home again, and home again, America for me!
My heart is turning home again, and there I long to be,
In the land of youth and freedom beyond the ocean bars,
Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars!
Oh, London is a man's town, there's power in the air;
And Paris is a woman's town, with flowers in her hair;
And it's sweet to dream in Venice, and it's great to study Rome;
But when it comes to living there is no place like home.
I like the German fir-woods, in green battalions drilled;
I like the gardens of Versailles with flashing fountains filled;
But, oh, to take your hand, my dear, and ramble for a day
In the friendly western woodland where Nature has her way!
I know that Europe's wonderful, yet something seems to lack:
The Past is too much with her, and the people looking back.
But the glory of the Present is to make the Future free,—
We love our land for what she is and what she is to be.
Oh, it's home again, and home again, America for me!
I want a ship that's westward bound to plough the rolling sea,
To the bléssed Land of Room Enough beyond the ocean bars,
Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars