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Blessings of Liberty
By Christina Quick | November 4, 2008
In September I visited the National Archives in Washington D.C., where the U.S. Constitution is on display.
I felt a swelling of patriotism as I read the familiar preamble: “We the people of the United States…”
My fifth grade history teacher, Mrs. Bennett, forced me to memorize that and recite it in front of the entire class. I later recited it again during a patriotic high school choir performance.
I can quote the preamble from memory even today. But seeing it on paper, THE paper, was a remarkable experience. I suppose I must have stared at the document for several minutes before an attendant told me to move along.
A few days later, my family and I visited Yorktown, Va., where the last battle of the American Revolution was fought. I walked among trenches carved out by George Washington’s troops and viewed the artillery positions of the two armies.
I considered what these American patriots were fighting for: “to … secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.”
Liberty truly is a blessing no American should take for granted. I’ve walked among rows of stones in national cemeteries, where heroes were laid to rest after defending this nation, this liberty, this blessing.
We have a duty to defend liberty as well. Our children and grandchildren our counting on us. Please exercise your right to vote before the polls close this evening. And regardless of the election outcome, continue to pray for this great nation.
May God bless America.
Topics: Faith |
