Happy Birthday, America

by Candace Salima

Posted on US Daily Review

4 July 2013

Happy Birthday, America! Thank you for your sheltering shores, mountains, plains and valleys. Your rivers, lakes and oceans have provided for us for centuries, as have your rich, nurturing soil and abundance. The Founding Fathers of this great nation dedicated their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to preserve upon your land the eternal principle of freedom. Because you have provided for us so amply, and the Founding Fathers gave us a government to endure if we protect it, we are a blessed people whose founding principles are the last best hope of the earth. May God bless you, protect you and may He inspire us, her people, to stand for righteousness in all things, all times, and all places.

It is my hope that every American across this land, as well as our visitors, will stop amid the chaos of the magnificence of our celebration and realize that freedom is never free. It often comes at great personal cost of heroes from all walks of life. Throughout our 237 years in existence, America hasn't been perfect, but she has stood tall for liberty and been a template for a republic form of government that can withstand the test of time if her people stand with her.

One of our Founding Fathers, Thomas Paine said,

"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death." Thomas Paine, (1737 - 1809)

And how true those words are, to really treasure that we have, it must have come through the sweat of our brow and dedication to the cause. On this day of celebration independence, let us remember how dear the cost, and just for a moment, remember how very blessed we are as a nation.

I'll close with the words of John Quincy Adams, who said:

"Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it." -- John Quincy Adams

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Candace Salima is an author, columnist, and public speaker. She makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com. Follow her on Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn or Facebook.

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Copyright 2013. All rights reserved by Candace E. Salima.