We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thomas Jefferson I grew up in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty and I learned at an early age that I was lucky to live in a country founded on the belief of Almighty God and biblical principles and I was taught to be thankful for those who fought for its independence. My father was very patriotic man and proudly displayed the American flag and Puerto Rican flags in our home, much like a state flag is displayed with Old Glory. He tried to get into the Armed Forces but because of health issues couldn’t, he was able to join an auxiliary unit of the National Guard and I remember watching him get ready to leave his uniform crisp and pressed with razor sharp creases. He looked so tall to me all 5’5” of him weighing about 125 lbs. During my teen years and my friends started going to Vietnam – the draft was taking the best of us, half of my friends couldn’t wait, the other half protested threatening to move to Canada, but off they went – they came back changed. New flags were flown in the background of Liberty Island, the black POW/MIA flags along with the faithful red, white and blue. The Statue of Liberty still has the power to make my heart skip a beat and it may not be ‘politically correct” but I’m proud of The United States and I live a blessed life that it’s still free because of the men and women who protect it. I will never forget that my liberty comes at a cost – the lives of hundreds of thousands of Soldiers, Seamen and Airmen! Thank You! Thank you to the men in our family and extended family who have served the United States of America starting with my father Josue G Cruz – National Guard Aux, Josue R Cruz – United States Navy, brother in law Daniel Harmon – United States Marines, Gary Washburn – United States Navy. We have a new generation of defenders: Antonio Montano – United States Coast Guard, Jordan A. Vasquez - United States Air Force, Sean Hollenbeck and Kasey Hollenbeck, Michael A. Vega – United States Army, Atakin Mason, Jose & Neena Lopez – United States Marines. You are my Heroes! Thank you to all who have stood or now stand to protect all we hold dear, who have decided to live out the words “Live Free!” because the alternative is not is not an option for themselves or the ones they love. Thank you to the families who have to live trusting God for the lives of their spouses, children and grandchildren – siblings, cousins and friends. My prayers are with you. I also want to thank Father God for sending His son Jesus Christ to die and give us the ultimate freedom, freedom from sin, death and destruction and giving us eternal life. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 God Bless America Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
Posted on: Tue, 27 May 2014 02:11:20 +0000
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