Independence Day

I can't have a blog titled America IS Beautiful without writing something for the 4th of July. Many people will celebrate for lots of reasons and it lots of ways. To some it's just another day for a party or barbecue, or maybe some time off work. Those who truly understand the magnitude of what happened over 230 years ago may take time to reflect, especially in our present culture, what July 4th stands for.

America is an exceptional country unlike any other. It was a radical concept at the time and a miracle that our founders accomplished what they did. Many people do not know the extreme risks the signers of the Declaration took, their lives, their families, their occupations were sometimes lost. Stepping out against the King was not a popular...politically correct...thing to do. They had to be secretive, working behind closed doors. Actually writing and signing the Declaration was only just the beginning. Putting your name on that document made you an instant treasonous enemy to King George. Yet, these humble men had such depth of conviction that what they were doing was right, that they were willing to risk it all. The freedoms we gained and the style of government they built was unlike any other. They won against all odds and birthed a nation.

True and knowledgeable patriots today are heartbroken at what is happening to this unique and exceptional nation, a Christian centered nation. We are a nation where "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."

Take some time to remember what it took to establish and build this great nation. If you've never sat down and actually read the entire Declaration of Independence, I didn't until a few years ago, I would encourage you to do it this year.

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html