Today is a day for solemn reflection to honor the service and sacrifice of those who paid the ultimate price to preserve freedom.  Let us also reflect on America’s Godly Heritage in acquiring freedom.

The Founders of this nation knew it would not only require their blood to gain freedom, but also God’s favor.  The Declaration of Independence declared the principles of freedom and their grievances’.  The signers significantly affirmed their pledge to secure the Blessings of Liberty for themselves and their posterity with these words: “We therefore, the Representatives of the united states of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, … with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

Our Founders publicly recognized and acknowledged the “hand of God” in their affairs:

Benjamin Franklin in the Constitutional Convention:  In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain …we held daily prayer in this room for the Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. …And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need assistance?  (June 28, 1787)

Thomas Jefferson:  God who gave us life gave us Liberty at the same time. (1774)  Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the People that these liberties are of the Gift of God?  That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever. (1781)

James Madison:  It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to perceive in it (the Constitution) a finger of that Almighty hand which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical stages of the revolution.”  (Federalist 37 Jan. 11, 1788)

Our first Commander in Chief and President, George Washington:  I am sure there never was a people, who had more reason to acknowledge a divine interposition in their affairs, than those of the United States, and I should be pained to believe, that they have forgotten that agency, which was so often manifested during our revolution, or that they failed to consider the omnipotence of that God, who is alone able to protect them.  (March 11, 1792)

Let us appreciate America’s Godly Heritage. We have been given a great legacy of freedom by those who came before us and paid the ultimate price. We can only repay that debt by our willingness to promote and restore freedom for those who will come after us. As General Douglas MacArthur stated, “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.” (May 3, 1948)