July 4 is the birthday of our country. We are now 224 years old. This date marks the independence of our nation from the tyranny of England. We as a people rebelled and fought for the freedom for which we had come to the new world. Many who fought died for this freedom.
Since the American Revolution, there have been many wars fought by American men and women to secure the freedoms we now enjoy. Thousands and hundreds of thousands have died in these wars, even more have served in America's armed forces. They have endured many hardships: such as, leaving behind family and friends, enduring all kinds of harsh weather, the stresses of battle, and even watching a buddy give his or her all. Many service people come home with debilitating mental and physical disabilities.
Despite the difficulties, hardships and injuries, I do not think you will find many of these service personnel who will say that they regret serving their country. To the contrary, most wish they were still able to serve. I know this to be true. I am one of these soldiers. I am proud to have served my country no matter the cost to me.
We take for granted the freedom we have. In Ecuador, the Quichua people were enslaved to the Spanish hacienda owners as far back as the 1500s. They just recently enjoy their freedom from this servanthood. In the 1960s and 1970s, they have been allowed to own their own land. This was accomplished by the governmental Land Reform Act. Despite the freedom to own land, many Quichua are still enslaved spiritually by false teachings and beliefs.
Let us fully enjoy the freedom we possess and honor all those who have sacrificed so much for this freedom. Let us also pray for all those around the world who do not have and are still fighting for their own freedom.
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