[mountaineer]

I finally saw "Saving Private Ryan" in its entirety last night and, having visited the D-Day beaches and the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer a few years ago (the one seen at the beginning and end of the movie), again was quite affected by the enormous sacrifice of our troops and our country in WWII. The dying Captain said to Pvt. Ryan, "Earn this," words which also apply to us, in my opinion. Certainly, we should conduct all aspects of our lives in constant awareness of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to save us from sin, but I believe we also always should keep in mind what our soldiers have given in the name of perserving our earthly freedom, with regard to the way we live in society. The Ryan character was concerned that he had lived a good life, "earning" what the soldiers had given to preserve his life.

I thought of this at 4 a.m. today when I was awakened by the noise of the teenage boy across the street. He was in his yard talking loudly on a cell phone, arguing with his girlfriend Tabitha over their mutual infidelity with much cursing, f-bombs and Jerry Springer-like vocabulary (WhatEVer! WhatEVer! WhatEVer!). Having already been awakened earlier at 1 a.m. by the same family's barking dog, it occurred to me that honoring the memory of the soldiers who have fought to preserve our free society by being a better neighbor probably isn't high on his list at that moment, but that shouldn't stop me from trying to do so.

One should not expect the most brilliant of thoughts to spill from my little peabrain at 4 a.m., but there you have it. Thank you, Founding Fathers and all those who have served to protect and maintain this nation. Whether or not we have deserved it, we are grateful. Happy Independence Day to all.

[MaeWest]

Thank you, M. I'm printing your post, and with your permission, would like share it with friends.

[Endeavor]

I caught the tail end of that and cried, as I knew I would.

Then flipping channels, came across the military channel and watched several segments of the Revolutionary War. It talked about how the Americans got weary of the war, how the British attacked the South and how Charleston fell and how for months and months fathers fought against sons, brother against brother, one pro America and one pro British. It also talked about those who flip-flopped on both sides as the success would shift. It made me think of today - those who grow weary (all of us at times), those who wonder what the heck we're doing in Iraq after having supported it initially, and those who go with whatever is easier. Human nature hasn't changed. It was the visionaries in the late 1700's that saw us through the war, and it will be the visionaries in 2005 who do the same.

Hold strong in faith that we are doing the right thing and will succeed. That will insure that we DO succeed.

Happy 4th of July, everyone.

[daisyscarlett]

Thank you, Founding Fathers and all those who have served to protect and maintain this nation. Whether or not we have deserved it, we are grateful.

That sums it up pretty well. I have no idea why some Americans do not realize that they live in the very greatest nation in the world!!!

[pubmom]

An AMEN, and a Happy Independence Day to each of you.