I Remember Independence Day

I REMEMBER how, about thirty years ago, the members of our church celebrated Independence Day. We gathered at the home of one of our members who lived on Poverty Point Reservoir. There, several of our deacons cooked barbecue for the assembled group. Some participated in games while others just enjoyed talking with one another in a comfortable setting dominated by huge, beautiful oak trees. We were enjoying the grandeur of God’s creation and the freedom that was ours as citizens of the United States of America.

After the sumptuous meal, we were entertained by a vocalist from a neighboring church who sang patriotic songs. Perhaps the highlight of his presentation was the singing of a song popularized by Lee Greenwood named “God Bless the USA.” When the singer came to the words “I’ll gladly stand up…,” everyone present stood in a spontaneous acclimation of gratitude to God for our country. I have no doubt that there were a number of those who had tears in their eyes, but I cannot be sure – I couldn’t see because of my own tears!

I miss this spirit of love for our country that is less likely to be seen July 4th of this year. Pride of country is not as widely expressed in this day when our beloved nation is not nearly as beloved as was the case a generation ago. In fact, during the protests against Israel’s military action in Gaza, it was not unusual to see some demonstrators burning the flag of our country. I am aware that individuals or groups have the Constitutional right to express themselves, but I am perplexed by the fervor seen in the criticism of our nation. We are not a people without flaws, and we have been guilty of much that was wrong, but can any other country claim to have a record as benevolent as ours? Personally, I think we can celebrate our years of independence with a measure of pride. Furthermore, we can take umbrage when men and women who have served sacrificially are maligned by those who have benefitted from the sacrifices of those heroes.

  When I was a student in the elementary grades, there was a measure of patriotism that marked our conduct. There was the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance as well as a prayer every day. Special days were observed to help us remember our heritage. And history classes did not ignore individuals or incidents that marked that history. Recently there has been a lot written and said about “The Greatest Generation”- men and women who fought valiantly in World War II and then gave their best efforts to rebuild a world at peace. We applaud them and pray that God would mercifully send us another generation like that one.

Let me suggest that as we celebrate Independence Day this month we give some thought to how God has blessed us in that we were born in this country and to have enjoyed an incomparable freedom purchased by the sacrifices of those who have given their lives to defend that freedom. And perhaps you would like to join me in this prayer: “God bless the USA!”