By Joyce Tilney

I have had the privilege of traveling to many countries throughout the world. I can honestly say I thank God that I am an American citizen. I thank Him for the brave men and women who were willing to take a stand and fight for our independence. Our Founding Fathers sought God’s direction on their knees and many of our Presidents set aside days when they asked the nation to observe a day of prayer for our country. This is our nation’s heritage. America is a Christian nation.

The Declaration of Independence is more than just a piece of paper. Adopted July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia at Independence Hall it outlines the principles for which the men of the Revolution fought. The men that signed this declaration were men who were willing to stake their fortunes, their honor and their lives for the convictions they held.

It was evident to our founding fathers that the Bible was the center and source of all ultimate truth. It was the most quoted source in all their writings and it was from this platform of truth that a democracy promising liberty and justice for all was established.

Our Founding Fathers delivered a system of government that has enjoyed unprecedented success. The United States is the world’s most enduring constitutional republic—over 200 years under the same document and form of government, an accomplishment unknown among contemporary nations.
Benjamin Franklin reminded the delegates to the Constitutional Convention in a speech that: “We need God to be our friend, not our enemy; we need Him to be our ally, not our adversary; we need to make sure that we keep His concurring aid.”

In 1789 George Washington issued the first Presidential call for prayer as he proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving stating: “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and to humbly implore His protection and favor…”

We need to continue this prayer for our national today. We have reason to celebrate! As we do, let us remember all those who have fought for our life and liberty and the ones who are fighting at the present time.