star spangled

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth,

the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them,

a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident,

that 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.

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

the fourth of july has always ranked right up there with christmas for me. i love this holiday. i love that it reminds me to be proud of my country and the people in it and the sacrifices that were made {and continue to be made} for me to have such a life of privilege.

i love when the parade begins and flag goes by. i love watching the crowded street rise and seeing hands placed over hearts. i wish that the everyone would show the same respect as the elderly man i watch nearby. you could see in his face that he understood the blessings and the sacrifices in a very real sense. his pride was real and deep. i feel sure that to him this holiday is more than a fun-filled weekend of fireworks, parties, cook-outs and social gatherings.

i love this country. i love the principles on which it was founded and feel that it is essential that we hold true to those things. if the brave men and women who gave so much to establish this great country could do it all holding so strongly to their TRUST IN GOD, then i think that is something to be honored and respected.

this country is very diverse. that is one of the beautiful qualities of a place that gives freedom to its people. freedom that came at a price. the founders of this country gave more than we may ever have to give for the freedom of our families and i think that their legacy deserves our continued respect. you don't have to agree with it, but you don't have to change it either. enjoy that you can live here and believe whatever you choose to believe. enjoy that you can worship or not worship. allow each other that right. you don't have to pray, you don't have to trust in God, but those who wish to are given that right as well.

God bless America!