As we celebrate Memorial Day this coming weekend, I was reminded of the early days that birthed our country and the many sacrifices that were courageously made then...and now!

On July 4, 1776, one of America's historic documents was signed in the city of Philadelphia; the Declaration of Independence.  It marked the birth of this Nation, which under God, was destined for world leadership.  

We often forget that in declaring independence from earthly power, our fathers made a forthright declaration of dependence upon Almighty God.  The closing words of this document solemnly declare, "With a firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor."

To the 56 courageous men who signed that document, according to Arthur DeMoss in The Rebirth of America, it was not just rhetoric.  They knew that if they succeeded, the best they could expect would be years of hardship in a struggling new nation.  If they lost, they would face a hangman's noose as traitors.  Of the 56, few were long to survive.  Five were captured by the British and tortured before they died.  Twelve had their homes ransacked, looted, occupied by the enemy or burned.  Two lost their sons in the army.  One had two sons captured.  Nine of the 56 died in the war from its hardships or its bullets.  

Whatever ideas you have of the men that gathered that hot summer in Philadelphia, it is important that we remember certain facts about the men who made this pledge:

-They were not poor men or wild-eyed pirates. They were men of means; rich men, most of them, had enjoyed much ease and luxury in their personal lives.  

-They were not hungry men but prosperous men; wealthy landowners, substantially secure in their prosperity, and respected in their communities.

BUT, they considered liberty much more important than the security they enjoyed.  They pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.  They fulfilled their pledge.  They paid freedom's price.  

Little did John Adams know how significant his words would be when he spoke to his wife, Abigail, in the passing of the Declaration of Independence and said, "I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure it will cost to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these states; yet, through all the gloom, I can see rays of light and glory.  I can see that the end is worth more than all the means."

To those who sacrificed for our freedom and those who are sacrificing their lives for freedom today, we owe a big debt of gratitude.  We honor all our servicemen and women who have selflessly fought so we all could enjoy freedom.  Many heartfelt thanks!

Please take the time this Memorial Day to remember.....remember freedom's cost, remember those who have given all, and remember those currently serving praying for their safety and protection.  

God bless America!

Gloria

Someone one said, "To be born free is a privilege,  To die free is an awesome responsibility."  Freedom is never free.  it is always purchased at a great price.

Planning ahead… if you're traveling, stop in one of these communities!

June 5 at 10:00am

Elevation North

2002 Austin Road

Owatonna, MN

June 12th, 7:00 pm:

Cowboy Community Church

211 2nd Ave NW

Mandan, ND

June 15th, 7:00 pm:

First Baptist Church

320 N Broadway

Linton, ND

June 19th, 10:00 am:

Capital Christian Center

3838 Jericho Rd

Bismarck, ND

June 25-26

Eagle Bend A/G

201 Central Ave S

Eagle Bend, MN