Tomorrow across this great country millions of Americans will celebrate this nation's 233rd Birthday with picnics, parades, and fireworks in grateful appreciation for living in a country that has endured good times and bad times. From the Founding Fathers sacrificing property and life for a new and free country; from the devastation of a Civil War; the War of 1812; World Wars I & II; Korea, Vietnam, Man Walking on the Moon; the Gulf War, September 11; Afghanistan/Iraq; and financial disaster. Yet, through all of America's triumphs and disappointments, I believe we still have better days to come...if we are willing to become engaged in the process and continue to make our government accountable.
We should never forget the sacrifices the men and women of our military have made throughout this country's history as they paid the ultimate price of their lives in order to see that the homeland was secure from foreign enemies.
However, somewhere along the way, we have lost our way. Patriotism is considered a "old fashioned," our values, faith and respect for the flag have lost their meaning to many. Religion is considered a "threat" to this country, however it is the very fiber that is woven into the foundation upon which this country was formed.
Flag waving and patriotic display is frowned upon by the many who share in the great bounties and opportunities this land has afforded them.
I will not try to theorize as to why the reversal of Americanism/Patriotism, I think you can figure it out yourselves. I don't want to politicize this holiday either, but just make an observation of my 55-years on this hollowed ground and the erosion that has occurred.
I ask you and your families to stop and reflect why we celebrate INDEPENDENCE DAY and teach you children the great meaning of this day and the responsibilities we all have as CITIZENS of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Have you read the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence to your children or for yourself?
In a letter to his wife, Abigail, John Adams on July 4, 1776 following the passing of the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE he wrote: "Will be the most memorable in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as a Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, bells, bonfire and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore."
As our Founding Fathers said on that historic day in Philadelphia at Liberty Hall on July 4, 1776..."We hold these Truths to be self-evident that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness..."
Let us too remember the TRUE meaning of INDEPENDENCE and our DEPENDENCE on Divine Providence and remember the brave men and women who are serving around the world
May you all have a safe 4th and renewed dedication to celebrate this "Great Day of Deliverance" as intended by our Founding Fathers.
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