We are an amazing nation under God. Like no other nation. Our country was founded on faith in a new life in a new country with freedom and liberty for all and the protection of divine providence.

In our democracy we can elect people to represent us in our government. Within the law we have freedom of speech and can worship as we choose. We work hard to get ahead and provide for our families. We call it the American dream. President Ronald Reagan referred to America as the “shining city on a hill.”

This Fourth of July, as we celebrate 250 years of the USA, let us remember it is still the American dream. The USA is still a country that has been and continues to be shaped by many voices and backgrounds that strive and work for the American dream. It is a country that always stands, even in conflict. The USA has become a beacon on a hill, leading other countries on the way.

Each one of us contributes to this American dream by obeying and following our Constitution. We shape America into the freedom it offers. As the first settlers came and shaped America through the years, so do we continue the history for future generations by living and shaping our communities. This is what makes us Americans!

On Easter Sunday we learned that the soldier that had been rescued from enemy territory in Iran spent 48 hours hiding in the mountains. He said, “God was watching us.” We saw our brave military team risking their lives for their fellow colleagues. Days earlier, as they rescued the other soldier, we saw the same brave rescue.

This is America at its best – defending our free country and looking out for each other in doing so. There is a connection between the lost and the rescuer – never give up. We honor all those who have died in protecting our freedom. This is what makes us Americans!

This is what makes me proud to be an American. Let’s put United back into our USA. Let’s build our country, not tear it down. As the Artemis II crew looked down from space and the moon upon the Earth, let us look at our Earth that God created and see that it is good and appreciate all that we have been given by our creator.

I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27)

God bless America!