Freedom!

Isn't it great to celebrate freedom in America the old traditional way? While we hear about what's happening in other parts of the country - riots and demonstrations, and people denigrating our flag and shouting "death to America", on the 4th of July even - here in Cascade, as well as in other small towns across the country, we gathered with friends and family to enjoy fireworks, barbecues, and baseball games and to pause to appreciate the freedoms we cherish and the many blessings we've received.

May we never forget that the liberties we cherish today were bought with a price, liberties that too often we take for granted. Because of the sacrifices of many, we are free to go to church and worship; we are free to speak our minds; we have freedom of the press and assembly, and the freedom to choose our leaders. Ronald Reagan once said, "Freedom is a fragile thing that is never more than one generation away from extinction." What a sobering thought!

As I ponder the division that I see in our country today, one picture stands out in my mind, and I am encouraged. Right before our fireworks display at Atkinson Park last Tuesday, I looked back at all the people, sitting on the grass with their families, all around the park. Suddenly, as the sound of the National Anthem blared out from the speakers, everyone stood up, faced the flag, and honored America!