Before we get started, I’d like to wish everyone a happy St. Guthagon Feast Day. If you know of any Guthagons, please pray for them. I have a feeling they’re going to need all the prayers we can offer.
For most of my life, our July 4th holiday, or Independence Day, was always the fun summer holiday we anticipated once school was released. Friends, fireflies, barbecues, fireworks, fishing, late night flashlight tag. As a child, this was the pinnacle of summer. As an adult up until recently, it’s been more of the same: friends, barbecue, road trips, fireworks, kids running around playing tag. Our July 4th had continued to be the pinnacle of our summer for all those reasons listed, and more.
Having a brother who is career military, there has been an increasing sense of appreciation for all his sacrifices, and the sacrifice of others for this freedom that is taken for granted daily. I’ve learned in other areas of my life that until something you have is totally and absolutely removed from your life, it’s hard to completely understand how great that thing is truly. Our gift of freedom, paid for by centuries of blood and countless sacrifice of many Americans, is exactly the type of blessing we all enjoy, but don’t truly realize how blessed we are.
A few years ago, I stumbled across a video that taught me the profound blessing of which I had no prior knowledge. That lesson came in understanding the origin of our National Anthem. Every professional sporting event I’ve ever attended in person has always started with this acknowledgement. However, the majority of those in attendance either didn’t know the words or just didn’t understand the significance of the words to our national anthem. I’m ashamed to admit my education had failed me as I was not truly aware of the importance.
The video to which I am referring is linked below. Once ignorance has been cured, the impact of knowledge is lasting and there is no returning to prior comforts. For me, now, every time I participate and witness the performance of our national anthem, I participate prayerfully and always end in prayer asking for God’s guidance on our nation and those serving to keep our nation safe. May we all realize our blessings living in this amazing nation and incorporate a deeper appreciation for this undeserved gift of freedom. God bless our great nation and those who serve it selflessly.
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