Every day I see heroes and I can’t thank them enough. Let me tell you about ordinary people helping people.

I saw a neighbor mowing a friend’s lawn because of illness. A state policeman stopped to change a flat tire for a lady with children. Several men in a restaurant paid for a dear man’s lunch just because. After an ambulance delivery, the driver asked for prayers at his church for the patient.

I submit to you there are millions of Americans who are God-fearing people who strive to do right and live right. These are the ones who go to work every day, believing in honesty, truth and honor. You will see heroes…firemen, policemen, soldiers or any other unselfish soul who have made this nation “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” I call them the real patriots. These men and women take a stand for accountability, responsibility and character. The heroes of America are not guided by selfishness, but by a conscience that sets aside personal desires for themselves in order to pursue the good of the nation as a whole.

Yes, dear friends, you are my heroes. You work and plan and dream, striving to do right. You are decent, hard-working individuals who love America and what it stands for. You are everyday, unpretentious Americans who salute the flag and pay your taxes.

You are the backbone of this nation and you keep this country together. Please don’t ever give up. You help all of us to keep striving to leave a country for our children and grandchildren. Many words of gratitude could not thank the many who have died to protect our freedom.

Hebrews 12:12 in T he Living Bible admonishes us to not lose heart, “So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for your feet so that those who follow you, though weak and lame, will not fall and hurt themselves, but become strong.”

Keep on! Take a stand for what is right. Never give up. You are the men and women who refuse to compromise the truth. You are the ones who sacrifice with your time and money because you believe in America. This path of freedom has been paved with pain and many hardships, but you persevere. You have watched your ancestors come through wars, economic failures, epidemics and natural disasters. Yet they survived because they believed in integrity, unselfishness and love of country. You have opened your arms to the poor, the needy, and the teeming masses. You have helped provide the American dream to anyone willing to work for it.

            There is something about you that offers hope, opportunity and expectancy. This concept distinguishes you from any other nation with this simple statement, “One nation, under God.” Heathen and pagan countries ignore this secret of success. Selfish dictators and wicked rulers betray their country, resulting in severe deprivation for its citizenry.

Yes, dear heroes, you carry the torch of freedom. You are the red-blooded Americans who still believe in the same godly principles displayed by your forefathers. Those same dedicated Americans who gave birth to you would be proud. You, the real heroes, continue to sacrifice and continue to reach out to others.

On this Fourth of July we will celebrate our independence. I know our ancestors would be proud.

Let’s remember that when we see fireworks.

Let’s remember that when we see “Old Glory.”

Let’s remember that when we give thanks for living in the greatest country on earth.

I salute you today!

You are the real heroes.