As the Fourth of July approaches, I find myself pondering my nation and its history.
June was a significant month, a fitting one for leading us to the 238th birthday of our independence. June marked the 50th anniversary of D-Day, the literal first steps to freeing Europe from Nazi tyranny. It also marked the 239th birthday of the United States Army, the first of our armed forces. Forces that have protected and defended us, that have repelled those who would take our freedom, that have fought for the freedom of other nations.
So much to be grateful for. I live in the greatest country in the world and all too often I take it for granted. Sometimes, like you, I can get consumed with all I see not right with America. And sometimes, I fear for our country. I fear forces are loose that will undermine our freedom from within, without our even realizing it until it is too late.
We are a special country. Established by God for a purpose. We are an example to the rest of the world that men can 
govern themselves. That freedom is more than a pie-in-the-sky dream. It is real.
Freedom is a gift from Almighty God. A gift we must treasure and preserve, a gift we must fight for. A gift we need to be prepared to die for.
My reflection on this holiday is one of gratitude. To all those in our armed forces who fought and died so I can be free today. To our Founding Fathers who forged a God-inspired vision and God-ordained documents to “bring forth on this continent a new birth of freedom, and a government of the people, by the people, for the people, that shall not perish from the earth.” (A. Lincoln, Gettysburg Address)
Thanks to all who have given and sacrificed to make this country great.
Happy Birthday, America!
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