7/4/2026
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
John 8:36
My heart swells with joy as I look upon the lush, fresh clean beauty of the land where I live. Home of my parents, purchased through hard work and determination and maintained by the sweat of my daddy's brow. Now it falls as my task to rebuild what time has decayed, and for me, it is a blessing, a gift God has given me to pay homage to the memory of my parents who loved their family, their home, and their country. But I believe it is for a much higher purpose that I am here to fix up this place, and it is not just so it can pass to my son once I have finished my earthly journey. No, I feel that it is part of what God has for me to do while I am here. What that is will remain to be seen.
My mama worked beside my dad in many of the updates to the home over the years. Mama was a seamstress, and she upholstered chairs to include car seats, and she made most of my clothing. If she didn't have a pattern for something, she'd make her own or figure out how to "fix" or completely redesign a project from looking at it and determining what she needed to do. It was nothing short of miraculous, and I know God gifted her with many talents she never shared or used. Whenever we purchased any item she would thrill when the label or tag boldly announced "Made in America." Surely my mama, although unknown to this nation, was one of the greatest artisans God created and placed on this earth. She could do just about anything, as my daddy would proudly attest.
My daddy would have loved today's festivities for the Freedom 250 Salute, although he would have enjoyed them from home most likely. He did have adventures after he retired, and my parents did a fair bit of traveling within the United States, but they never ventured past the borders of America. My daddy purchased some land in Florida during his truck driving days, but he eventually sold it, and he remained in Virginia, satisfied with the life that he lived. He was extremely generous with what little he had, and he taught the lesson of generosity to me and my siblings. It's a lesson I cherish.
Today's festivities have been either postponed or canceled due to the extreme heat in the DC area, so it's been difficult trying to follow the programs as initially scheduled. Last night I was privileged to hear the President's speech from the Mount Rushmore America 250 Fireworks Celebration, and I was able to listen to a great country artist, Chancey Williams, prior to the keynote speech by the President. My daddy certainly would have enjoyed the entertainment, as this young man had a tremendous voice. My daddy liked country music, but he loved bluegrass. In his speech President Trump shared that "Liberty has prevailed here because of the culture and the character of the people who declared it, defended it, and preserved it." My folks never got to know President Trump, but somehow I think my daddy may have approved. I know he would especially like the fact that he gives glory to God, and his speeches have increasingly done so. As it should be.
At the Freedom 250 Salute to America our President honored several veterans who had served in major wars during the years:
"Trump honored the nation’s warriors on stage. He was joined on stage by Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Paris Davis, 87, who was recognized for his extraordinary heroism during a battle in the Vietnam War in 1965; Captain Ken Schubring, 104, who fought for Japan’s unconditional surrender after surviving the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor; Navy Lieutenant Arthur Rose, 107, who led landings on D-Day in 1944; Marine Cpl. Don Graves, 101, who was one of only 18 to survive the brutal Battle of Iwo Jima; Marine Corporal Pat Finn, 94, and Marine Corps Private First Class Rudy Meekins, 95, who fought against communism in the Korean War; and Captain Lloyd “Sonny” Ray, recipient of the Silver Star Medal of valor in combat for leading his unit in the Vietnam War against an enemy many times their size."
"The president thanked them for vanquishing fascism and standing 'against the evil of communism in the Cold War.'”
In his keynote speech President Trump said America would never be a Communist country. True patriots appreciate his fervor and determination, especially in view of events happening within our government at this time. When I was growing up my parents, like most Virginians appreciated the Democratic party, but today it has become twisted and far removed from the values it once held, even resorting to extreme bents to socialism and communism. It is inconceivable to me that our nation has succumbed to such extremism, much less allow anyone in office who did not show allegiance to their own country. How could this be possible in a just and fair system of law?! But in a society where abortion and euthanasia are widely accepted, along with other irreverent practices, it is not surprising. I am glad that my gentle, God-fearing parents and grandparents are not here to witness these shameful acts. The only hope for our nation is to turn back to God.
One aspect of the Salute to America that I particularly enjoyed was that our military were involved in the entertainment, especially in the closing musical performance. Popular songs from my generation were performed by vocalists from different branches of the military. What a wonderful way to end the festivities with a beautiful display of fireworks continuing all during the performances. I must say that each branch of our military has great bands, but they are also blessed with magnificent soloists. Thank you President Trump and all involved in giving us a 250th Celebration of America to long be remembered!
Happy Birthday America! Long may your freedom ring! In God we Trust!
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