today seems a little odd. part of that natural transition that comes as a family begins a new chapter. the pictures above are from the 4th of july two years ago. much has happened since then. right now that young man standing next to me is finishing his first week as a recruit in the USMC. we had no idea that when we stepped of on that adventure that the decisions would lead us to a deeper view of what our independence means and the cost of that freedom. i’ve done fairly well with our son’s leaving to serve. yet i found myself earlier this week at rotary when i was asked to offer the invocation, as i pondered the coming holiday weekend and offering thanks for our blessings of liberty, i found myself suddenly very aware, almost too as my voice cracked realizing that as i offered thanks for those that serve i was thanking God for my own son’s service in the nations military. amazing stuff. so as we wrap up a good day may our hearts be reminded of our vigilance to protect and keep sacred that which our forefathers fought for.
Let the Fourth of July always be a reminder that here in this land, for the first time, it was decided that man is born with certain God-given rights; that government is only a convenience created and managed by the people, with no powers of its own except those voluntarily granted to it by the people.
from President Reagan’s Letter – What the 4th of July means to me. 1981
We thank God for brave men and women like Jed who serve to keep us free.
You should be proud!