4th of July

Well, today is the 4th of July. And while it is the anniversary of our nation’s founding, far too often we forget about what it really stands for . For most Americans this holiday is synonymous with fireworks, a day off, certain foods, beer and perhaps even traffic. Over the course of the last 228 years, especially during the past century, the heart of this most cherished national holiday has become lost in the celebration thereof. However, we must never forget what happened on July 4, 1776. That was when our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, formally announcing our intention to separate ourselves from the rule of England. What followed was the Revolutionary War and the formation of a new nation, one that has stood the test of time. The most remarkable fact about the whole process is that our revolution led to the formation of a republic which has remained in tact, and continued to grow and flourish, through these two and a quarter centuries. It didn’t lead to another dictatorship, which has so oft been the case. It didn’t lead to the ethnic or political cleansings which have been the historical hallmark of political upheaval. No, when our founding fathers began the political experiment we now call America something went terribly right. Our beginnings were not without controversy, but the great wisdom of our leaders, and the foundational documents they produced, have served us well. Those things are worth celebrating, as are the sacrifices made to bring them about and maintain them. Indeed, the freedoms we enjoy today are the direct result of blood which was shed by men and women who believed in the principles of democracy, many of whom never even tasted of its fruits. When we celebrate this holiday, we are also celebrating the altruistic deeds of those who paid the ultimate price to ensure the legacy of freedom we hope our grandchildren will enjoy. Those sacrifices are still being made today and we should support and show appreciation to our current men and women in arms who stand ready to defend our freedoms. So today, let us all pause between our fireworks, friends and food to thank God for this great nation, for the freedoms we enjoy, and for those who continue to defend both us and our ideals. Have a happy 4th of July.

The Voice of Freedom
I am the voice of freedom
The words of Franklin and Jefferson
The cry of Patrick Henry
And the cheers of the minutemen
Mine was the pen of Francis Scott Key
In the battle of Baltimore
As he saw the stars and stripes flying
At dawn on that smoke shrouded shore
I was at Vicksburg and Shilo
Harpers Ferry, Pea Ridge and Bull Run
Lincoln spoke of me at Gettysburg
After that bloody battle was done
I was sung by immigrants
As they passed the Statue of Liberty
I was heard in the trenches of France
And I returned at Normandy
Twice, I spread across Europe
As my oppressors fell and fled
Rising out of the hearts of men
Who thought I was left for dead
Even today, I linger
Upon the lips of those who are just
Who right the wrongs of evil men
By making the sacrifices they must
Whenever a people downtrodden
Dare to whisper a prayer of me
Wherever a tyrant is toppled
By the ideals of democracy
I will be there, upon their lips
In the step, in the heart, in the eyes
Of those who struggle against oppressors
For I am their battle cry
I resound throughout the nations
Overcoming both doubt and fear
I am the voice of freedom
The voice all men long to hear
By Frank Carpenter ©