Not Another Veteran Holiday

Our founding fathers committed treason. By signing the Declaration they knew that if we couldn't back up our words they would find themselves sentenced to death. They believed in a land that was not just subtly different than England, but that we needed to start over and do this alone.

This Fourth of July I would encourage you to reflect. Don't just thank the troops on facebook and be done with it- that's a cop out. We have other days to remember the fallen (Memorial Day) and thank those that have served (Veteran's Day) (which most people nowadays think they're one in the same)- but Independence Day take ownership of your role as a citizen of the United States. Our freedom may have been won and upheld through the best fighting force the world has seen, but bullets and F-16's can only provide a framework for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. You- the American citizen can play an equal role in our nation as the soldier that's patrolling a filthy Afghan street at this very moment. Service to our country has commonly come to mean picking up an M-16, but it is about so much more than freedom from- every American can take part in serving our country by taking part in the actions that ensure our freedom to.

Since I think it is worth reflecting over, I'm not going to dole out answers. Think about it- what are you actively engaged in that's making our nation a better place- one that's again centered on the biblical foundations that are carved in stone around the capital? Not what have you done, or what others have done on your behalf but how are you actively taking ownership of making sure our freedoms are secured for the next generation? 

God gave you the distinct blessing of being an American. Ask him why. 

(*Hint: The answer probably isn't so you could have a bigger house than someone in Argentina or a better car than someone in Syria.)

He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord, the God of Israel.” And the people said to Joshua, “The Lord our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.

-Joshua 24:23-24

Editor's Note: You can still thank a soldier for their service today- or any other day. We don't mind being appreciated for that. If you want to tick off a soldier today keep your hat on, keep up your conversation, or start walking around when you hear the Pledge of Allegiance, the Star Spangled Banner or Taps. Show some respect for the things we still take seriously. 

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