A Great Heritage

Deuteronomy 4:7

In a day when it is fashionable to be negative about the United States, many people have lost sight
of what has been accomplished by this great nation.
Newspaper headlines stress current problems.
Television news focuses on the menaces to our society.
Overpopulation, pollution, drugs, race problems, pornography and honesty in government
are familiar themes to most of our citizens.
Yet, with all of these difficulties and more, the United States still sets the pace for the remainder of the world.

America Has a Great History.

The first 4th of July was celebrated with guns, bells and bonfires.
A terrible price was paid for our freedom.
July the fourth is still celebrated with pomp and parades, shows, games and sports.
To make America the great land that it is, fifty-six Americans pledged their lives, their fortunes,
and their sacred honor.
It was no idle pledge.

Nine signers of the Declaration of Independence died of wounds during the Revolutionary War.
Five were captured or imprisoned, in some cases with brutal treatment.
The wives, sons, and daughters of others were killed, jailed, mistreated, persecuted, or left penniless.
One was driven from his wife's death bed and lost all his children.
The houses of 12 signers were burned to the ground.
Eleven lost everything they owned.

Every signer was proscribed as a traitor; everyone was hunted.
Most were driven into flight; most were, at one time or another, barred from their families and homes.
Most were offered immunity, freedom, rewards, their property, or the lives and release of loved ones
if they would break their pledged word and seek the King's protection.
Their fortunes were forfeit, but their honor was not.
No signer defected, or changed his stand, throughout the darkest hours.
Their honor, like the nation, remained intact.

These men died, and most are almost forgotten by their countrymen.
This does not really matter; what does matter is that we remember that freedom comes high.

America Has a Great Flag.

For more than nine score years, it has been the banner of hope and freedom for generation
after generation of Americans.
Born amid the first flames of America's fight for freedom, it is a symbol of a country that has grown
from a little group of thirteen colonies to a united nation of 50 sovereign states.
Planted firmly on the high pinnacle of American faith, it's gently fluttering folds have proved
an inspiration to untold millions.

Men have followed that great flag into battle with unwavering courage.
We look upon our flag as a symbol of national unity.
So long as men love liberty more than life itself; so long as we treasure the priceless privileges
bought with the blood of our forefathers; so long as the principles of truth, justice and charity
for all remain deeply rooted in hearts; that flag shall continue to be the enduring banner
of the United States of America.

America Has a Great God.

Psalm 85:1: "Lord, Thou hast been favorable unto thy land."
Deuteronomy 4:7: "What nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them,
as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?"

Someone from another nation once remarked about America: "America is great
because America is good; when she ceases to be good, she will no longer be great."

What will you do to keep America great?

Sermon by Dr. Harold L. White