Saturday, July 3, 2010

Let Freedom Ring

"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom,
must undergo the fatigues of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, No. 4, September 11, 1777
(above picture: my sweetheart treating Iraqi civilian patients)

"It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Games, Sports, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory.
I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means.
And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction."
- Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams,
referring to the day the Declaration of Independence was signed

"Courage, then, my countrymen, our contest is not only whether we ourselves shall be free, but whether there shall be left to mankind an asylum on earth for civil and religious liberty."
-Samuel Adams, August, 1776
(above picture taken by my husband, while serving in Iraq)

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians. Not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason, peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here."
- Patrick Henry

11 comments:

Susan Anderson said...

I LOVE the excerpt from John's letter to Abigail. I know we still have that spirit and enthusiasm buried somewhere in our collective consciousness.

I think it's about time to dig it all up!

Happy Independence Day, Natalie.

=)

Snarky Belle said...

I agree Sue, let's start diggin'!

John Adams is my husband's 7th cousin, 5 times removed (or something like that)...thought it was fitting to quote him. Happy Independence Day to you too!

Unknown said...

Those quotes gave me the tingles. That first one, the letter....really gets me. It just shows what inspired men they were.

I wish you and your family a wonderful and blessed 4th. Because of your sacrifices...my faith is renewed.

karen said...

I loved reading all of these - so soul stirring and humbling in the face of their great sacrifices. It brings home the difficulty and selflessness of the great sacrifices families like yours are making on our behalf. We can't read about them often enough in my opinion.
I hope you and your family are doing well. It was nice to see a picture of your husband - what a cute man! He must miss you all very much - as much as you all miss him. You're a special family - thank you for what you do for ALL of us.

Angie said...

I love these quotes. Love them so much I need to link. . . Thanks!

Karen said...

Thank you, Thank you!! I know I can NEVER say that enough for those serving in the military and the families who support them!

Love to you and your family on this important day!

jen said...

Thanks, Natalie. Much different than the fourth was last year, huh? Thought of you.
Keep strong!

Em said...

so courageous. i'm so grateful for those who serve. my life wouldn't work without it.

Jill said...

I've never seen your husband before. Handsome Gent. Tell him thanks for us.

And that last quotes is excellent. They all were, but that last one needs to be more commonly known.

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Beautiful words from our founding fathers...and beautiful pictures of your husband serving this great land. Happy belated Fourth of July, my friend. And continued thanks to your husband and to your family for your sacrifice. Love to you...

Jess said...

I love that quote by Thomas Paine- we all need to remember that and be grateful to those who undergo the fatigues (literally and figuratively) for us.

And I love the picture of your Captain treating the Iraqi civvies. He is a brave, and honorable man- you are one lucky gal!