Limitless Majesty, Unparalleled Freedom, Unrivaled Opportunity; The United States of America, 250 Years in the Making

"I am so honored and so very privileged, to call myself an American." - AB Williams

God, Guns & Guts

These words on a banner, inside a quaint little Mom & Pop restaurant on the St. John's River, grabbed my attention.

I was instantly taken back in time... recalling history lessons, as sentences began forming in my mind.

That's it - in a nutshell.

These three words, tell our story.

I am beyond tired of the hateful rhetoric, the tearing down, and the disrespecting of this amazing Country!

It is so prevalent and, sadly, often done by American citizens, and it's exhausting!

I am equally appalled, and exhausted by the behavior of too many elected Government officials.

Elected by the American People, to Represent and Serve the American People, and abide by the laws of this Nation. But instead, they are off on their own little destructive crusades, while only serving themselves!

We The People, etc. etc.

are the very last thing on their mind!

Far too many individuals placed in a leadership role... by the People, are oftentimes at the center of the rhetoric, the tearing down, the disrespecting, etc., of this Country. The only thing they are interested in building up, is their portfolio. Personal windfall profits, while serving, should never be a part of an elected official's resume!

This should concern every single American citizen, no matter their Party affiliation, no matter their politics.

These hypocrites are in total breach of their, "So help me God", oath!

I digress.

Back to the Banner!

God

Contrary to that which is being pushed down the throats of America's youth.

Contrary to the constant criticism and abuse the United States takes!

Contrary to all of the negativity that we are all constantly exposed to.....

the United States of America is a very special place and I feel blessed beyond measure to call it home.

How we got here, how we have thrived here, and how we have managed to stay relevant, is truly miraculous!

Not a doubt in this proud American's mind, God had a hand in it, from the get-go!

"We were up against one of the most powerful nations in the world, certainly the superpower of Europe. We had no munitions plants, we had no uniforms, we had no supplies, we had no navy, we had no real army. And to think of taking this nation on, and ever thinking that we had a chance of winning was nothing short of a miracle.....it was a miracle." - Professor David Goss, Gordon College

Involved in the fight for independence, were the Minutemen. Nearly every single one of them, identified as Christian. They believed that all authority was subject to the authority of God, and they believed that God’s will was that man live free!

Colonists were enslaved by the Brits, they were living under oppression and the Minutemen saw it as their duty, their mission, their purpose... to fight the powerful and mighty oppressors. With the blessing of the most powerful, most mighty, most high, most omnipotent... they fought!

Oh, how they fought and with victory- all glory was given to God!

In our Supreme Court building, there is a statue of Moses, holding the Ten Commandments.

Our Founding Fathers wrote:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.....”

They go on to mention God multiple times!

Benjamin Franklin fought for our Great Seal to be that of Moses lifting his staff toward heaven and parting the Red Sea.

He obviously failed in that particular endeavor, but I think we can forgive that.

Because God was invited into the formation of this great Nation, we have been immensely Blessed!

We must never forget that truth!

We must never turn our backs on God, believing we can go it alone, for if we do - we will be left, standing alone!

Guns

"There is a time for all things, there is a time to preach and a time to fight." - Pastor John Peter Muhlenberg

With that being said from the pulpit, the Preacherman removed his robe, took up his musket, and entered into fighter mode.

He and three hundred members of his congregation, joined up with George Washington and the 8th Virginia regiment, in the fight!

I am certain, the Preacher and the members of his congregation who took up arms, had axes, pitchforks and other farming tools back home, but...

How far would axes and pitchforks have taken them, in the fight for our Independence?

"An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But, we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. The battle sir, is not to the strong alone, is life so dear and peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death." - Patrick Henry

" What Country can preserve its liberties, if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance. Let them take arms." -Thomas Jefferson in a letter to James Madison

"The Constitution shall never be construed...to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their arms." - Samuel Adams

Did you know:

The 21-Gun Salute, witnessed at military ceremonies, represents a significant sum, representing a very significant year?

1776

1 + 7 + 7 + 6 = 21

Guts

At the break of dawn, April 19, 1775, while 700 British Redcoats were marching toward them, 77 Minutemen, watched and waited; their trusty muskets at the ready! Used up until this critical moment in time, for hunting and in defense of their families.

Their mission now... much loftier!

I can’t imagine the thoughts and scenarios that must have been playing out in their minds, knowing they would be undermanned!

But, nevertheless, ready and willing to take up the fight ... for Liberty, whatever the cost!

Their leader, Captain John Parker, spoke these words to them:

"Stand your ground, don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here."

A shot rang out in the early morning fog...

Later described as:

"The shot heard around the world."

And so, it was on!

The fight for our Independence!

A monument at this location is inscribed with these words:

"On April 19, 1775, the die was cast, the blood of martyrs, in the cause of God and their Country, was the cement of the union of these States, then Colonies. They nobly dared to be free and the peace, liberty and independence of the United States of America was their glorious reward!"

I wonder - is this where the phrase, no guts, no glory, came from?

Another group of very gutsy men, who must never be overlooked, are the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.

If we had not come out victorious, they would have hung for their actions!

Fortunately for them, and for all of us, we were victorious.

But, as is always the case, freedom is never free.

It came at a great cost!

One-third of them, wealthy at the start, ended up in the poor house.

A handful were imprisoned for treason. Others lost their homes and/or, their sons, to the war.

To that, I say with all certainty that not one of them had a single regret!

Today, we have people offended by every mention of God.

Offended by our history, our values, our traditions and, our very existence!

Today, we have people, actively working to take away our guns, or at the very least, restrict our use of them, never once considering their role, in our making...

Today, we have improperly-educated, undisciplined, catered to, whiny, annoying people ignorantly working to unravel every part of the foundation, God, Guns and Guts, has built!

In spite of them ---

I have been cheering for my President, and for my Country!

I have been cheering for my favorite American sports teams, and for my favorite race car drivers in America's race!

I have been cheering for the American team, as they have represented so spectacularly at the Winter Olympics!

Gold in hockey, wow!

And come July 4, 2026, I will be cheering --- as we celebrate, The United States of America's 250th year!

I will party like it is 1776!

My enthusiasm cannot be contained!

My Patriotism cannot and will not be restrained!

God Bless these United States of America!