Why do I love the United States?

Ever asked the question, Why do I love the United States? Well today a friend and colleague of ours emailed us a letter his brother wrote. We were

moved by his story and wanted to share it with you.

Saturday, July 04, 2009
9:21 AM
Dear Tysons Staff,

I love the United States of America for many

reasons. My 21 years as Chaplain in the United States Air Force/Air National Guard contributed to that love and loyalty. But for the most part, that love came

from my father, an immigrant from Portugal. He came as a stowaway in the early 40’s, became a legalized citizen via seven

years of duty in the Merchant Marines, and went on to be yet another example of an immigrant who came to the land of opportunity with nothing

and turned into a model citizen of integrity and industry. My father, 92, and my mother, 83, now live with us.
Recently, I gave my father a small American flag. He looked at it for a couple of minutes and then said with deep feeling, “There used to be a time when this flag wasn’t mine, but, now it is.” Dementia has slowed his thinking process, so, after pausing for a little while longer, he continued, “It may be a small flag, but, it is still beautiful.” He carried the flag in his front pocket for days after.

I write these things to encourage all of us to love our country. Love should be the result of deep appreciation for its constitution rooted in biblical thought, for education available to all, freedom of thought, a democratic process, and opportunities for work, entrepreneurial or otherwise. We are citizens of heaven – the land that we love above all others – but, we are also citizens of earth, saints who are in Christ and also in America.

Pray fervently for the Lord’s truths to permeate our culture and society. Pray earnestly for the hearts of the fathers to turn to their children, and, most importantly, that many will turn their hearts to the Lord.

Happy Fourth of July!

Joe

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