Freedom ...

From the days of the American Revolution to the days of the 21st Century, freedom has been the strongest of our cultural bonds. It is the glue that holds us together as a nation. It is the one thing that unites our hearts as Americans no matter our color, our convictions, or our creed. From the left side to the right side, the White House to the Church House, from Hollywood to the hillsides, from the countryside to the inner cities, and from the mountains to all over "Merica" freedom unites those of us that call this great land home. 

It is freedom that our ancestors once cried for and freedom that they fought for. It was freedom that our country was founded on and freedom that our Armed Forces fight to protect and preserve. It is freedom that gives us the right to dream and freedom that gives us the right to do. Because of freedom we can choose to become whatever we desire. Freedom places no limits on our potential nor does it stand in the way of our passions. Today, may we be grateful for the freedom that we share as Americans. May we say thank you to those who once stood watch over our freedom and to those who are still standing for it today. May we not take this freedom for granted. For with such great freedom comes great responsibility. May we be found faithful with this freedom. May we be responsible with this freedom. It is a freedom that many around the world do not personally know and one that many others only dream of. As Peter Marshall once wrote, "May we think of freedom, not as the right to do what we please, but the opportunity to do what is right." 

Happy Independence Day!