While you are planning for July 4th events like picnics, parades and fireworks, keep in mind the origins of this day, and honor the wisdom of our founding fathers. Read again the words of our Declaration of Independence (image from the Library of Congress site, text here):
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776.
THE UNANIMOUS
DECLARATION
OF THE
THIRTEEN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
WHEN, in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's GOD entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the Causes which impel them to the Separation.
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their CREATOR, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed ...
WE, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in GENERAL CONGRESS Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our Intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political Connexion between them and the State of Great-Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that as FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which INDEPENDENT STATES may of Right do. And for the Support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of DIVINE PROVIDENCE, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honour.
With Honour and sacrifice, the men and women of our military serve every day, going into harm's way so that we can continue to live in a free and strong country. Their families also serve, giving up their loved ones for long deployments. They do this so that you and I can stay home, in comfort and safety. Think about what you can do to give back.
The news last week of the downed helicopter, and loss of all 16 soldiers and sailors onboard was devastating. Offer your prayers for the families, and for the SEALs still missing.
Then take some time to do something for them, and something for the men and women now in Iraq and Afhanistan. Blackfive reminds us of some great organizations who help the troops and their families :
One thing that you should do is visit America Supports You. Another is donate to Soldiers' Angels or volunteer. There's a great need right now for help in the hospitals in DC and San Antonio, Texas. So, if you're in that area and want to be an Angel to our wounded, and are not afraid of committing a lot of time over the next few weeks to help, please contact Soldiers' Angels and volunteer.
And finally, the United Warrior Survival Fund and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation need your help to provide for the spouses and children of our Fallen Heroes.
Show your support, and take a minute to thank the service people and veterans around you. We are still the Land of the Free -- because of the Brave! |
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