Independence comes at a price

On Saturday, President Mohamed Morsi officially took office as Egypt’s first democratically elected president.  This week, here in the U.S., we celebrate our independence in the midst of our own presidential election season.  While some people may complain about the process, the tone, the seemingly endless ads and accusations, the fact remains that for over 230 years, we have had a peaceful transition of power to a president our citizens choose.  Many people in the world are still battling for the experience of democracy, one we sometimes take for granted.

Of course, this freedom has always come at a price – in the lives of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our independence.  From the first vagabond group of revolutionaries in the years leading up to 1776 who had the courage and bravery to take on the world’s most professional armed forces, to today, when our young men and women in uniform continue to risk their lives in the name of democracy.

As we enjoy our July 4th parades, fireworks, barbeques and special time with family and friends, let us pause and reflect on the great fortune we have for living in a country founded on freedom.  And may we take a moment to pray for those who are in harm’s way, who risk their lives so that we may enjoy this freedom.

Two hundred and thirty-six years on, may God continue to bless the United States of America!