A Birthday Tribute

Today, July 4, 2010, marks the 234th celebration of the birth of my homeland, the United States of America. In those 234 years, we have seen our share of good times and bad... we have survived disasters, enjoyed prosperity, and fought to preserve not only our freedom but the freedom of the oppressed the world over. We have dreamed of greatness, we have dreamed of freedom, and so many Americans have given their all to see those dreams come true. We have endured.

So, on this great day of family, of friends, of remembrance, of celebration - I hope that you will take a moment to think about all of those things that have formed our nation... and more importantly I hope you will take a few moments to consider your own part in that process. A lot of Americans, right now and in times past, complain about how dissatisfied they are with our leaders, our situation, and what our government is doing to change things. I'll ask you to remember the words found in our Constitution - which begins with "We, the people" - not, "They, the government", and the words of Abraham Lincoln in his address at Gettysburg - "government of the people, by the people, for the people..." Remember too, the words of John F. Kennedy - "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."

It's all too easy to become frustrated with the process of finding solutions to problems, but apathy is not a solution. If you will reserve the right to find fault with this great land, remember that with rights come responsibilities. We all want to enjoy "the blessings of liberty", but few are willing to give of themselves, their time, their energy, and their comfort to do what it takes to insure those blessings to future generations. I believe that our country, our lifestyles, our blessings are only as good and strong as "we, the people" are willing to make them. Do your part, get involved, work to make changes instead of pushing all of the work off onto the government. They are simply our representatives... we must all learn to "walk the walk".

I hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July! I'd like to share this beautiful video I found on YouTube. It's a relatively new song and I think it's a wonderful representation of some of what's right with America, if we only take the time to see it. Enjoy :)