“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” – Psalm 33:12
Today is America’s birthday. On July 4, 1776, a group of men put their signatures on a piece of paper that would seal their fate. Signing this declaration of colonial independence from tyrannical England was an act of treason, and anyone who signed that document knew they would be considered a traitor against the British monarchy. As they put pen to paper, these men knew they would either become the founders of a new nation, or they would be executed as enemies of the state. It was at the moment that the War for Independence began.
Inexperienced in wielding muskets against a hostile enemy, a hodgepodge of farmers, merchants, and young boys stood up against the greatest military force on the globe. Led by General George Washington, it seemed like a hopeless attempt at breaking free of the strangulating hold of the British monarchy, yet these patriots never gave up. The odds were stacked heavily against them, yet the war for independence was won by these courageous men whose vision and valor enabled thirteen separate colonies to come together to become the greatest nation on earth, the United States of America.
I have traveled to more than 45 countries, and I have enjoyed learning about different cultures, meeting new people, and visiting unique points of interest all around the globe. However, no matter where I’ve gone or what I’ve seen, my heart belongs to America. Despite the turmoil within its borders, the international challenges it has faced, and the uncertainty of the times, I still believe it is the greatest country in the world.
I will always stand in respect for our flag, and I will always unashamedly sing our national anthem when it is played. I will continue to pray for this nation and the men and women who so selflessly protect and defend it. I will always ask God’s blessings upon the US Army, the US Navy, the US Marine Corps, the US Air Force, the US Coast Guard, and their Commander-in-Chief, the President of the United States. Because I believe in the Biblical principles upon which this country was founded, I will always support the United States Constitution and the spirit in which it was written by the founding fathers. I love this country. I am proud to be an American, and today, I proudly celebrate the birth of the greatest nation on earth.
Happy birthday, America!
My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing:
Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims’ pride,
from every mountainside let freedom ring!
Our fathers’ God to Thee, Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King.
(from “My Country, Tis of Thee” by Samuel F. Smith)
“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17
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“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.” – Declaration of Independence
AMEN!