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The Cost of Freedom

j0444741As we approach the 4th of July I am reminded of an e-mail sent many years ago that spoke to what it cost for our freedom.  I quote some of it here:

“Close your eyes for a minute and picture in your mind the soldier at Valley Forge, as he holds his musket in his bloody hands.

He stands barefoot in the snow, starved from lack of food, wounded from months of battle and emotionally scarred from the eternity away from his family surrounded by nothing but death and carnage of war.”

He stands tall, with fire in his eyes and victory on his breath and asks:

Are you caring for the Constitution that was given to you as a birthright of freedom born from the cost of the men who fought against all odds.

Do you teach your children what the 4th of July means and the price we have paid for our freedom?

Do you take the time to study the problems we have today and elect people in office who will address these issues and who will defend our Constitution?

Do you teach your children the value of voting by voting?

I never want to forget that

It’s the soldier who has died to give us freedom of the press and freedom of speech.

It’s the soldier who gave up so much to give us the many freedoms we enjoy.

“It’s the soldier who salutes the flag, serves the flag, whose coffin is draped with the flag that allows the protestor to burn the flag!!”

“Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need.” Amen.

As we shoot off fireworks and gather together for parties, may we be reminded that the fireworks of the battlefields were real.

And as I remind myself of these things, I too stop and pray for our troops wherever they are – for their courage – dedication – integrity and sacrifice.  I pray that all of us will take a time out and pray for our country and our military.

Marlene Anderson

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