May we never forget...

The Fourth of July, or Independence Day is an incredible opportunity for Americans to come together and remember just why it is that we celebrate this day. And if you can't remember, then perhaps you ought to take a little journey down the road of history that paved a difficult path that led to freedom from tyranny.

I haven't forgotten! No, I wasn't there, but I grew up in a time when country and flag were honored and the men and women who served in our military were saluted and thanked for the sacrifices of the few to protect the freedom of the many. I grew up in a time when not only was I taught by my parents to respect for symbol of liberty that we fly on flag poles all across this great land, but we were also taught those same principles in our schools. I was a very small child when the Japanese bombers were flying over our southern California coasts and we lived in darkness at night and listened to the air raid sirens and watched the search lights light up the skies over Santa Monica. World War II touched my life very closely. My dad served as an Air Raid Warden and when the warning came to "turn out the lights", my dad donned his helmet and went off somewhere to search the skies and keep our city safe.

I didn't really appreciate those things, until years later when I learned about the atrocities that were going on in war-torn Europe during that awful war. America was there to defend those nations and was responsible for the freedoms they enjoy today. I didn't have to be there to know that the cause of freedom is a righteous cause.

Many gave their lives in the Revolutionary War, but they did not die in vane. It will ever be so, that there will be a hand full of dedicated souls who will offer up their lives for this almighty cause. I love my country! I honor my flag! And I wish each and every one of you a Fourth of July that will bring tears to your eyes as you remember why we celebrate. God bless you all, and may God continue to bless America.