Celebrating our Freedom!

The Fourth of July has always been a special holiday to me. My family (parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and others!) used to gather on that holiday to celebrate being a family and celebrate the freedom we have as citizens of the USA. There was always a big meal that was shared by everyone gathered, then we would read the Declaration of Independence. Finally, we would end the day going to see a fireworks display.

When I came to live in Greensboro, I discovered there was a connection here with the Declaration of Independence that was signed on July 4, 1776. There's a monument honoring one of the signers of the Declaration, named William Hooper, from the state of North Carolina. I found the monument at a park in Greensboro where I like to take walks. The park is called the Guilford County Courthouse Military Park. Maybe you've been there before? T

here's a very big monument to honor Nathaneal Greene who Greensboro was named after. He was one of the generals in the Revolutionary War battle that took place at that park land on March 15, 1781. There are a number of smaller monuments too. The monuments honor people who were lost their lives in the fight or played an important role in the battle.

I found some short histories about these men. I was especially interested to read about how Nathaneal Greene took care of the soldiers who served under his command.  While he was a general, he wanted to make sure his men had the uniforms and supplies they needed. So he contracted with a company to provide those supplies. But then there were problems with the government providing money for the loan to pay for those supplies. General Greene had to pay for the loan himself. He gave from his own savings for the sake of the men who served our country.

These men (William Hooper and Nathaneal Greene) and others (like George Washington) made great sacrifices for the sake of many who did not fight in the war. They gave of their time and their talents, and their faithful efforts along with the faithful efforts of countless others are what earned freedom for the people of our country. I am proud to say I live in Greensboro, North Carolina and thankful for all the freedoms I have living here!

We all have a great number of freedoms living in this country. But true freedom comes from knowing and walking in the light and truth of following Jesus! I pray that you walk in the way of Jesus, too! Then you will be truly free! John 8:36 reminds us, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Celebrating that freedom today! July 4th!

Love, Mrs. Bess