America

*“My Country Tis of Thee, sweet land of Liberty”
*“My Native Country Thee”
We recently traveled across several northwest states as we have done numerous times in the past few years. One doesn’t have to travel far across any part of our wonderful United States to be aware of the bounteous earth in all of its varieties and terrain. From the desert beauty of the southwest and through the mid states and into the northern states what grandeur awaits our eyes and our hearts. As we traveled I reflected upon the verdant farms and small and large settlements along the way. I thought of the labor of the farmers and other workers as they have labored to build and to plant and to care for the land and its animals and other things that sustain our lives and provides for our general welfare. I also ref-lected on the industry and efforts of so many to provide roads and hospitals and schools and retail and other businesses and industries to sustain our capitalistic economy. We are a blessed nation and many wonderful productive people still live here. Some of our large corporations have moved out of country to make even larger profits. They have forsaken America for more money. Many businesses have remained here and have paid family wages and have made lesser of a profit, but by staying, they have made and continue to make America great. The innovation and energy of the American people will long sustain them as they continue to give their best efforts in their work and service. May we all do our part to keep us free!
*“Our Father’s God to Thee” Author of Liberty;”
*To Thee We Sing”
*“Protect us by thy Might, Great God our King”

*Text: Samuel F. Smith, 1808-1895