Please join us in celebrating the Fourth of July as
Independence Day. This is the day
we remember the freedom we have and its cost.
Let's
get this started! NOW! So we will really be ready for the Fourth!
I pledge allegiance to the
flag
of
the United
States of America
and to the Republic for
which it stands,
one
nation under God,
indivisible,
with liberty
and justice for all.
We have military personnel
deployed in over 135 countries around the world. They are there to defend our freedom, train our allies and
evaluate our enemies. They stepped
forward when the country called.
As we celebrate our freedom and
independence, we must never forget who paid the bill for our free lunch. I saw a Marine the other day lowering
the flag at Evening Colors. He
saluted, standing tall, handsome and proud. So young.
With
hair cropped close and eyes alert,
he'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought
how many men like him
had fallen through the years. As Taps sounded, I wondered:
·
How many died on foreign soil?
·
How many mothers' tears?
·
How many pilots' whose planes never returned?
·
How many ships were lost at sea?
·
How many whose subs never surfaced?
·
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
As the bugler hit the final
notes, I felt a sudden chill and wondered just how many times
those same Taps meant
the final 'Amen'
over the flag draped a coffin
of a father, son, brother,
wife, daughter, sister or friend.
Then
I thought of all the families who future was given for ours. Then came the vision of headstones,
unmarked graves and the deep.
Freedom is not
free;
It never was;
It never will
be;
Someone always
pays the bill;
In cash;
No credit cards
taken.
As you enjoy your day off,
remember the American Warriors who made it possible.
Of all the gifts you can give,
prayer is the one that counts the most.
Jesus gave His Life that we might
have eternal life. The American
Warriors gave theirs you might live your life here on earth in freedom.
