At this very special time of year, I wish I had something profound and inspiring to say. Since my words can't due true justice to the occasion, I'll quote from the Gettysburg Address given by Abraham Lincoln in 1863.
“It is for us the living…to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
I hope that amid the parades, barbeques, and fireworks of the 4th of July, we will all feel the weight of what it means to be American - that because so much has been given to us, we indeed have a great responsibility to understand and defend the freedoms many have given their lives for.
I recommend everyone visit this website. It has some great ideas on how we can understand, support, and defend America, the Constitution, and the freedoms we enjoy.
Happy Independence Day!
2 comments:
karla! I didn't know you had a blog. I'm so glad. What a beautiful post. I really missed celebrating the 4th of July in America.
Karla,
I really enjoyed that website, as well as your quote from the Gettysburg Address. I remember visiting the Lincoln Memorial with my dad when I was a girl, and we read those words together. You and Jeff have been good examples to me of how to be patriotic and more involved in government.
Amy
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