Independence Day also known as the Fourth of July commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. The Founding Fathers delegated that the Thirteen Colonies were no longer subject nor subordinate to the monarch of Britain, King George lll, and were now united, free, and independent states. The founders recognized that they had not created the power to establish a nation alone, but rather that power was given to them from God to create this great country. What they established guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. We also have the right to keep and bear arms. As time went on, we created a pledge to show our allegiance to this great country that was founded on God. It goes, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Powerful words for a great country. A few weeks ago, my husband and I meet up with a dear friend from Ireland in New York City. We had the opportunity to go to the Statue of Liberty, as you experience such an icon, tears of honor run down your checks. This statue stands for what the United States is about. You realize the importance and wisdom our Founding Fathers had. We are a free country, based on God—the one true God of the universe. Our soldiers have fought and died so that we continue to live in the greatest country of all. Today, we celebrated this great day. Think about how fortunate you are to live here. Think about those who have gone before you and what they sacrificed for you and how blessed you are because of them. Thank God for how He led our founding Fathers to create this great country. God Bless and God Bless the United States of America. Happy Fourth of July. Amen.