I tried to post this as a comment to Alisha's Independence Day, but as usual, I am too verbose. In no way do I want to detract from
Alisha's posting. Thank you for taking the time to read this
lengthy diatribe.
From the Sounds of Sunday by Glen
RawsonIf you would permit me, may I quote?
“…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 honor.”
Those words were not rhetoric for a speech for the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Of those 56 men who signed it, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died; twelve had their homes sacked, looted, and occupied by the enemy.
For example, Thomas Nelson Jr. at the Battle of Yorktown had his home taken over by the British General Cornwallis. Nelson quietly urged General Washington to open fire on the home anyway. It was destroyed. Nelson died a pauper.
Nine of the signers died in that war, and two lost their sons to it.
Carter
Braxton, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas. He died in rags.
Thomas
KcKeen was forced to move his family five times in five months to hide from his enemies. While his family hid from the British in abject poverty,
McKeen served in Congress without pay – oh, for men like that today!
Francis Lewis’ home and possessions were seized, and his wife imprisoned where she died a short time later.
And perhaps the most touching story of all is of the signer John Hart, who was driven from his wife’s bedside as she lay dying. Their thirteen children had to flee for their lives as well. For over a year Hart lived in caves and in the forest. After the surrender, he returned to find his wife dead, his children gone – thirteen children, and every one of them vanished! John Hart died a few weeks later of a broken heart.” (
Lund, The Freedom Factor,
Deseret Book, 1987, p. 101)
And there were more – more stories of sacrifice and pain than I have time to tell.
I believe, my dear friends, that if the opportunity was given to us to face each of them and ask them if the price they paid was worth it, I believe there would be a unanimous and a resounding “Yes.”
It has been said that the single most important word in the English language is “Remember.” Oh, may God grant that every citizen in America will never forget the price that has been paid for our freedom.
Glenn
Rawson – July 1998
We owe a debt of gratitude to the founding fathers and those citizens that fought for the liberties that God promised this land. Not unlike Captain Moroni, they saw a choice land that would be the ensign to the world of great hope from tyranny and oppression. Since from the time that God brought the first inhabitants to this land until today, Satan has done his best to diminish the freedoms that this great land brings. Those freedoms came at a great price during the Book of Mormon times and were eventually lost. They came at a great cost at the establishment of this the United States and during the times when it literally tore itself in two during the civil war. It will continue to cost much more in the future to protect the liberties that we have been granted.
God has established the constitution. His document for the governing of the people that he has brought to this land. Not a document to be trifled with or to be scoffed at. Not one to be altered or changed without the vote of the people. A document that should be looked to when confronted with decisions that affect the nation.
We are faced with significant challenges as a country. We are polarized by politics that cause our elected leaders to make decisions that are based on ideology rather than on sound and correct principals. That same polarization exists not only with our elected leaders, but with the citizens as well. We are tossed to and fro by the so called learned that can and do make a case for whatever side they are supporting by presenting facts that are intended to contradict and inflame the opposite view. Their
knowledge is supreme as it relates to the premise that they support.
Be thankful that we have something that goes beyond rhetoric and ideology. It goes beyond knowledge and fact. We are blessed with the Holy Ghost that will teach us truth. It is valuable to have good and open discussion of the issues. It is good to have opinions and to share those opinions with others, but the ultimate decision on any issue should be made with the Lord's help. If we are open to the promptings of the Spirit, we will be taught and be united as one with the Lord and with what His will would be pertaining to this country.
During this glorious time when we celebrate the birth of this country, may we always remember the heritage that we have. May we remember the cost and the price that was paid to establish this nation. May we remember the God of this land and pay tribute to Him and what this country stands for. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
The kids couldn't choose their "favorite" thing, but they all agreed that spending time with their uncles and aunts was the best thing ever! I have to tell you though- watching Mike and Brian build a dam at the dino museum was the most entertaining thing ever.
They probably worked on this for 20 + minutes! We loved spending time petting the bat rays at the aquarium and watching the anaconda eat a "large rodent". Thanks for a great week, love you all!
The kids couldn't choose their "favorite" thing, but they all agreed that spending time with their uncles and aunts was the best thing ever! I have to tell you though- watching Mike and Brian build a dam at the dino museum was the most entertaining thing ever.
They probably worked on this for 20 + minutes! We loved spending time petting the bat rays at the aquarium and watching the anaconda eat a "large rodent". Thanks for a great week, love you all!
