Happy Birthday America

Tomorrow Americans will celebrate our 234 years as a nation. There will be parades, fireworks, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. While it is very easy for to be critical of our government or focus on our problems; we must remember we still live in the greatest nation in the world. The freedoms and privileges we have in America are second to none. As I reflect on Independence Day I cannot help but think of all the things that make our country great...

• The freedom of travel allows us to see such sights as the natural sights of the Grand Canyon, the Smoky Mountains, Niagara Falls, The Badlands of the West, The Painted Desert, Any of our National Seashores,The Florida Keys, Alaska, Yellowstone, Sequoia National Park, Volcanoes in Hawaii and the Gulf Coast of Florida!
• Our Monuments - You cannot help but get goosebumps at the Lincoln Memorial, the Statue of Liberty and especially the World War II Monument in Washington.
• Our Opportunities - There are story after story of people coming to America with literally nothing but the clothes on their back, however with determination and disciple they have become successful, no other country affords such opportunity. As Ronald Reagan said; America is too great for small dreams.
• Our Abundant Freedoms - Freedom to worship freely, Freedom to own guns, Freedom to Assemble, Freedom to Vote, Freedom of Speech (even if we disagree with what is being said)

So tomorrow as you hear the Star Spangled Banner or Watch the fireworks, I hope you will remember to thank God for the nation that was formed by the people and for the people. May we agree with Ronald Regan who said, Putting people first has always been America’s secret weapon. It’s the way we’ve kept the spirit of our revolutions alive—a spirit that drives us to dream and dare, and take great risks for a greater good. May God continue to Bless America!