The Fourth of July

Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. It's not because of the church breakfast, the potlucks and barbecues, nor even the dazzling fireworks displays. Of course, I love that part of the holiday, but the Fourth of July means so much more. It's a time to reflect on how this nation has been greatly blessed by God. We enjoy freedoms and liberties that are hard to find anywhere else in the world.

"Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood."
(Doctrine and Covenants, Section 101:79 - 80)

Ever since the war for independence, many thousands of souls have sacrificed even their lives to maintain and protect our freedoms. We should be thankful to them. We should also thank Heavenly Father for the blessing of living in this land and for every comfort and convenience we enjoy.

The final verse of my favorite patriotic hymn describes perfectly how I feel about these United States of America:

Oh, beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
(Hymns, America the Beautiful, no. 338)