Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, the day we have celebrated as our nation’s birthday since 1776. It has been 244 years since the Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring that the thirteen colonies were no longer part of Great Britain, but were independent sovereign states that were part of a new nation.
This Fourth of July holiday will be much different than the ones we remember in years past. Many local fireworks displays and pubic events have been canceled. A few communities still plan to have fireworks but here at home we will probably watch a national celebration display on TV.
This whole year has been out of the ordinary and each month brings a new and different calamity. We have seen a pandemic, the shut-down of most everything in many states, stay-at-home orders, the threat of murder hornets, a Sahara dust storm, and destructive riots all over the country. American citizens have experienced a lot so far in 2020. Stop! Enough! It has been bleak and depressing at times and the unrest and uncertainty continues.
And here we are, half way through the year, at the 2020 July 4th weekend.
Now is the time. The time to celebrate our great nation and to be thankful we live here. We are so fortunate to live in America.
Now is the time to be patriotic. The time to fly our flag. The time to respect our flag.
Now is the time to remember the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. To think about what it means and take that meaning to heart.
Now is the time to proudly sing our National Anthem.
Now is the time to use our First Amendment right to speak up for our democracy and for freedom.
Now is the time to stand up for our liberties and our Bill of Rights. Freedom of Speech. Freedom of Religion. The right to keep and bear arms, just to mention a few.
Now is the time to wear red, white, and blue. The time to be a patriot.
We live in the greatest nation on earth. Many people from other nations want to come to America and become American citizens. They would not want to come here if they did not feel they would have a better life here. America provides liberty, justice, freedom, and unlimited opportunities for all.
Now, more than ever, is the time to stand up for America.
Now is the time. Before it is too late.
Below is The American’s Creed, which we recite it at our DAR meetings. It was the winning submission in a 1917 national writing contest for a creed of the United States. William Tyler Page used phrases from the Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the Constitution and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address in his entry. The American’s Creed was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives in 1918.:
The American’s Creed
I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support it Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies. —William Tyler Page
From a patriotic song:
“And I’m proud to an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” –Lee Greenwood
Have a happy and safe Independence Day!
God Bless America!
2 comments
Amen!
Excellent, well said!