Happy Birthday!

Last night (July 3rd), Chris and I had dinner on The Landing in Branson with a couple of friends. We decided against the big Independence Day celebration in Springfield and instead opted for dinner with friends in Branson.

We arrived at The Landing to find it packed with people. We didn't know that there was an outdoor concert and fireworks scheduled for the night. The crowd also meant a long wait for dinner. We didn't finishing eating until well after 9 o'clock. As we made our way back to the north end (where we had parked) we found out that the fireworks display was starting at 10 so we decided to stay.

The program was pretty short but very colorful and a decent display. There was some great patriotic music in the background and I couldn't help but think about the great country that is my home. I read somewhere that our country (the US of A) is the only country that celebrates it's birthday. I don't know if that is true or not, but this great governmental experiment continues well into its third century. While our system of government may not be perfect, there are more countries that are striving to imitate it in some form or fashion than other types of government.

What can you say about a young country that is confident enough about its citizen's ideas that it would allow free speech--even speech that criticizes the government?

What can you say about a country that is confident enough about the wisdom of its citizens that it would allow them to completely replace its governing officials every few years if they choose to do so?

What can you say about a country that allows its citizens to travel freely across state lines or even to leave the country without worrying about what might happen to your families?

What can you say about a country that allow its citizens to choose where they live; where they work; what, who or how they worship; and bestows on each citizen the fundamental rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

What can you say about a country that produces much of the world's food and possess much of the world's wealth...and is found around the globe sharing that food and wealth when ever disaster strikes?

What can you say about a country that would send its young men and women into battle on foreign soil to protect the rights of people that we don't know...even to the point of giving their lives?

This is my country.

I am proud of her.

I am proud to call the United States of America my home.

Happy Birthday to the United States of America!

John <><

PS--July 4th is also my dad's birthday. Happy 75th birthday, Dad!