I was just outside and I could hear many fireworks exploding in the distance. I found myself pondering a few thoughts….
I’d like to recommend that in the next 24 hours you read the Declaration of Independence. Take note of the list of trespasses that the king George made against the people. Note that the Founding Fathers indicated that changing their form of government was not something to be done lightly, but that the situation at the time required them to take that action.
Also take special note of the degree of dedication that the men had, who put their names to that document…
“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
Realize what that meant – for many of them they had to flee their homes and leave their families. But they knew that their cause was just. That inspired the following from our National Anthem…
“O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the wars desolation.
Blest with victry and peace, may the Heavn rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: In God is our trust;
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
Oer the land of the free and the home of the brave!“
I’d then like to recommend that you watch The Patriot in the next few hours, before the main fireworks celebrations tomorrow.
Pay attention to the arguments made about going to war. Pay attention to what was required to bring some men to that action. Note also that some would not participate.
It is surprising that some men would not desire freedom, but that is the case even today. I saw a special on Russia today and I will quote a Russian man from that doumentary as closely as I can.
“We do not need freedom here. We need another Stalin. Democracy is not for us”.
I find that ultimately sad.
Lastly, when you are watching those fireworks tomorrow, take a few moments to close your eyes and think about the scenes in The Patriot where the fighting was in the towns and farms of America.
There are those in other lands that don’t want us to have our freedom. They desire to hurt us, and would gladly be shooting up our cities and farms of today. Those sounds you hear could indeed be Amercans fighting for their freedom, but our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines have taken the fight to them.
Those sounds that you hear are the sounds that they hear every day, taking the fight to the enemy so that we can sleep peacefully at here at home.
Thank them. Thank them with all of your heart. I thank them. I hope they know that they are loved and respected. As for me and my family, we honor them.
Thank you all. May God bless and keep you.