I wanted to take a moment today to express my appreciation for all those that have served in the armed forces!  Words cannot properly convey my gratitude for you.  I am so grateful to live in this nation and thank my Heavenly Father that there are people like you out there, ready to protect and defend my family and I!  You are brave and courageous, and indeed, heroic.  I admire all of you for all you’ve given in behalf of this great nation!  And, truly some have given the ultimate sacrifice, and I honor them. 

While in the midst of this election year, I think many have lost focus on what is truly important.  And, while many of us have differing view points, we must remember that were it not for those who have fought, and sometimes died, for us, we wouldn’t have the freedoms we have to express our views.  So, for this time, let’s put those differences aside, and honor all those who have given so much, so that we don’t have to. 

Thank you! 

Because I think often times music can convey feelings that I’m not able to, here’s some great songs to honor those in the military: 

American Soldier- by Toby Keith; Some Gave All- by Billy Ray Cyrus; Brothers- by Dean Brody; Letters From Home- by John Michael Montgomery; 50,000 Names- by George Jones; Where The Stars And Stripes And The Eagle Fly; 8th of November- by Big and Rich; Welcome Home- by Dolly Parton; Arlington- by Trace Atkins; God Bless the USA- by Lee Greenwood

Please remember how blessed we are, because of these amazing men and women.  Let us never forget our veterans.  Honor them.  Love them.  Thank them.

I recently had the opportunity to write an article for our ward newsletter about the Fourth of July.  I really wanted to talk about how the Lord established this nation.  My friend Mike recently posted about The Constitution, and I used some of the quotes he had in his because they were so good.  Anyway, here’s what I wrote. 

232 years ago, our forefathers were in a battle that would forever change this world.  Indeed, this battle had been foretold long before by Nephi who in vision saw what would transpire. 

“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them. And I beheld that their mother Gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them.  And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle.  And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations.” (1 Nephi 13:16-19) 

I am speaking, of course, of the events that occurred allowing the United States of America to be established as a free nation. 

We celebrate on July 4^th the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  But, the founding of our nation began before that.  The Lord caused good men to come forth during this time, for the express purpose of establishing a land of liberty.  We know the names George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, John Adams, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin and many more.  These men were truly revolutionaries.  The Lord gave to them the courage and conviction necessary to accomplish the great work they had to do.  Of the passing of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, “Yesterday the greatest Question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men.”

By all logical reasoning, the colonists should not have been able to win the Revolutionary War.  They were inexperienced and outmatched.  The British were better armed.  But, the colonists and their leaders had things the British did not.  Besides knowing the land better, they were filled with passion for their cause.  They were unquestionably fighting for their very lives, and the lives of their posterity.  They could taste freedom and liberty and would do whatever they had to in order to secure it.  Most importantly, however, they had the Lord on their side.  The War was not easy or swift, but in the end, the colonists were victorious. 

Now, they had to set about creating a new government.  Again, the Lord was with them.  While there was much debate about the role the new government should take, the Spirit was with the founding fathers, and they were eventually able to create a divinely inspired Constitution.  The Constitution was established in order to maintain liberty.  Indeed, the Lord tells us, “Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.  And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.” (Doctrine and Convenants 101:79-80) 

How blessed we are to have a government established by the Lord, and guided by His divine Constitution. 

“Hence we say, that the Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner; it is to all those who are privileged with the sweets of liberty, like the cooling shades and refreshing waters of a great rock in a thirsty and weary land. It is like a great tree under whose branches men from every clime can be shielded from the burning rays of the sun. . . . We say that God is true; that the Constitution of the United States is true; that the Bible is true.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pages 147-48) 

The Constitution is a gift from the Lord, and we have a duty to honor and uphold it.  President Ezra Taft Benson told us,

“To every Latter-day Saint, we have a tremendous obligation to be good citizens, to uphold the Constitution of this land, to adhere to its basic concepts, to do all in our power to protect the freedoms and the liberties and the basic rights which are associated with citizenship. The Lord has said even in our day, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, that we have an obligation. He has not only spoken about the Constitution being inspired, he has said that if we are to be good Latter-day Saints, we also have to take an interest in this country in which we live and we are to see to it that good men are upheld and sustained in public office.” (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson page 615-16; from an address given at Short Hills, NJ, 15 Jan 1961)

We must take an active role in the destiny of our great nation.  Be involved.  President Reagan once said, “I do not believe in a fate that will fall on us no matter what we do.  I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do nothing.” 

            In closing, I’d like to bear my testimony of these things.  Anyone who knows me well knows my passion for this wonderful country.  I love this nation!  I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who caused this nation to be established in the manner that it was.   The founding of the United States of America is something truly glorious!  I hold in my heart a great love and respect for those who risked their very lives to bring about The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution.  These documents were created through the Lord’s inspiration, and by no other means.  When I read them I cry.  They stir up inside of me deep feelings of gratitude, love, and honor.  I echo President Hinckley’s statement, when he said,

“On one occasion a journalist asked me about my belief regarding the Constitution. I replied that I felt it was inspired, that both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were brought forth under the inspiration of God to establish and maintain the freedom of the people of this nation. I said it and I believe it to be true. There is a miracle in its establishment that cannot be explained in any other way.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Keep Faith with America“, commencement address given at Weber State University, Ogden, Utah on 6 May 1999.)

This nation truly is a miracle.  It is wonderful!  I pray that this Independence Day we can remember those who came before us and established this great land!  Let us celebrate and be happy, for we live in a nation like none other!  Brothers and Sisters, I leave you these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

–’Here’s my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose.’
–’The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’
–’The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they’re ignorant; it’s just that they know so much that isn’t so.’
–’Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.’
–’I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.’
–’The taxpayer: That’s someone who works for the federal government but doesn’t have to take the civil service examination.’
–’Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.’
–’The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program.’
–’It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.’
–’Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.’
–’Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.’
–’No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.’
–’If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God , then we will be a nation gone under.’

Now, wasn’t he wise!?

Mitt Romney gave an AMAZING speech this morning, and I recommend that you all watch it! It was truly moving and inspiring! The man looked and sounded absolutely presidential! His words and message must have resonated through the hearts of millions of Americans! Even Chris Matthews liked it. You’ve got to check it out!

Click here to view the Gov. Romney’s speech!

“Getting shot hurts. Still my fear was growing because no matter how hard I tried to breathe it seemed I was getting less & less air. I focused on that tiled ceiling and prayed. But I realized I couldn’t ask for Gods help while at the same time I felt hatred for the mixed up young man who had shot me. Isn’t that the meaning of the lost sheep? We are all Gods children & therefore equally beloved by him. I began to pray for his soul and that he would find his way back to the fold.” (The Reagan Diaries, pg. 12)

Wow! I can’t imagine. Had I been in that situation, I don’t think I would be concerned for the welfare of the soul of the person that had shot me. This is truly amazing to me! This just speaks to the character of Ronald Reagan. What an incredible man. I just have so much admiration for him!

I love Veteran’s Day! I think it is so very important to celebrate and remember those who have fought and those that have given it all, for us to be safe and free. I have veterans of Vietnam and Korea and both World Wars in my family. Before he died in 1997, my grandpa was Nevada’s oldest living veteran, having fought in WWI and WWII. I believe it was in WWI, that he had his nose blown off by a grenade. My uncle joined the Army Rangers and went to Vietnam. He received three Purple Hearts from his service there. My great-uncle (dad to the Vietnam Vet uncle) and my grandfather were both in WWII. My step dad, Jim, and Adam’s grandfather both served in Korea. I also have letters written by ancestors that were part of the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. A friend of mine also did a tour in Iraq.
I don’t think I can really express the depths to which those in the military (past and present) mean to me. They were willing to sacrifice their lives for me, and my children. These are some of the most courageous and valiant people we have among us. I really just can’t express my appreciation for all that they do. And let’s not forget about their families, many of whom send their loved ones off to war, never to see alive again. I am truly grateful for all veterans and military personnel. They are real heroes!

Today is the 63rd anniversary of D-Day. On June 6, 1944, we were fighting against an evil enemy, bent on destroying everything we hold dear. As I was listening to Boortz this morning, he played the speech that President Roosevelt made that day. It was actually a prayer. (Yes, the Pres. actually said a prayer over the radio.) Anyway, while I was listening to this, I realized that this same exact prayer could be given today. Everything, except the location, applies to our troops and country today. Isn’t it amazing? People need to realize that this wonderful freedom we have has come at a great cost. I don’t think we can ever stop fighting for the cause of freedom.

A lot has been said the last few days about Memorial Day. John Edwards is calling for protests against the war in Iraq to take place that day, totally dishonoring the memory of fallen soldiers. Others, though, are trying to remind the American public what Memorial Day is really suppose to be about. I wanted to share part of an e-mail I got today. The message was written by LtCol Oliver L. North, USMC (Ret.):

Heroes aren’t athletes who set new sports records or Hollywood actors who make “daring” films, or politicians who make bold promises. Heroes are people who place themselves at risk for the benefit of others.

America enjoys freedom today because true heroes – the men and women of the United States Armed Forces – our courageous soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Guardsmen – sacrifice their tomorrows for us.

Memorial Day is an opportunity for Americans to say “Thank You” to our brave defenders of freedom and their families, especially the children they have left behind. In declaring a day of memorial to those who had died in service to our country, General John Logan, then Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, proclaimed on May 5, 1868:

“…let us in this solemn preserve renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation’s gratitude – the soldier’s widow and orphan.”

I really love that last quote. Let’s remember what this day is really suppose to be about!

It’s been a couple weeks since I’ve done a Hero of the Week, because there just hasn’t been anyone that stood out to me. However, this week, I’ve decided to make my hero of the week my heroes of the week. This week, it’s the brave and dedicated men and women of the US Military, in all branches. They should be honored for all they do! These people worry about MY freedoms and safety, and put themselves in harm’s way to defend that. Think about that for just a minute. They put their lives on the line, and in some cases loose that life, to protect all of the rest of us! How amazing is that?! These people are truly heroes!

My hero this week is Rudy Giuliani! Several days ago, while speaking in New Hampshire, he told people that if the Democrats get the White House in 2008, they will put the country back on defensive mode, the way we were before 9/11. He elaborated on that more, and basically said that we would be much less safe if a Democrat is elected. I agree with him, wholeheartedly! And, when criticized for his comments, he stuck by them, and repeated them! It was awesome!
The Democrats want defeat in Iraq. They desire to talk with and appease the terrorists. As Rush says, “they own defeat.” Heck, according to Harry “stab our troops in the back” Reid, the war is already lost. (Yet ANOTHER reason I don’t care for Harry Reid.)
Anyhow, I was very impressed with the comments Giuliani made about needing to be on offense in order to protect the country. I was more impressed when he didn’t back down, but just reiterated his comments, when he was attacked for them. Bravo to Rudy on this one!

However, even though I’ve been impressed with Giuliani’s ability to stick it to the Democrats, and the media (who wouldn’t admire that?), I’m still strongly supporting Mitt Romney.