This is such a heart warming message by Sister Ethel Maharg. I wept as I read it….today is my birthday…..and I have so many wonderful memories of the America I once knew. Ethel is so point on in saying, “we are in a battle for the soul of our nation.”
There Was a Time
As we celebrate the 4th of July many things come rushing through my mind about the battle we are in for the soul of our nation. As I struggled with what to write I came across this address by President Ronald Reagan and he said it better than I could have ever done. He captured my thoughts as he wrote these words.
“There was a time when our children stood at attention with their pride and put their hand over their heart and with one united voice recited the pledge of allegiance. There was a time when strength and honor meant something. There was a time when standing for our flag meant something. There was a time when our history heritage was taught with pride and respect. There was a time that respect was given to those who served, bled, and died to protect and defend our freedom. There was a time when we were grateful. There was a time when our accomplishments meant something. There was a time when these United States of America, one nation under God was united. There was a time when these United States of America, one nation under God was united under the American flag, and the flag was carried into battle by brave patriots as a symbol of freedom and justice for all, no matter race, religion, or background. A beacon of hope when flown, a mark of respect to their memories to those who willfully sacrificed their lives to defend. There was a time when we the people decided our future. A time when we the people had a voice. There was a time when we the people were united and strong. There was a time when the media was free from political bias and corruption. There was a time when our elected leaders stood their ground, dug in and defended those they represented. How many men and women are currently serving on the frontlines abroad only to look back in horror and see the homeland on fire. What does the word patriot mean to you? Land of the free, home of the brave now is not the time to be complacent. Will you answer the call? Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children, and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” President Ronald Reagan
Happy 4th of July. Remember freedom isn’t free.
