4th of July

I love this holiday. It's right up there with Christmas. I'm sad that I'm unable to share it with my family this year, but I want everyone to know how important this holiday is to me and to all of us. It is the day we remember the actions of many of the greatest men in the history of the world and the impact that those actions have on the rest of us. President Hinkley once remarked on how incredible the founding was and that he could think of no other time in the history of the world when so many great men were together at one time and one place, all engaged in one purpose. It really is amazing. I encourage everyone to read a little about one or more of the founders. They really were incredible men (and women if you read about Abigail Adams and a few others). It will make you want to be better.

A few quotes from some wise men:

“Government is not reason, it is not eloquent, it is force; like fire a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.” -- George Washington


"THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated." -- Thomas Paine