Thank you for our freedom!

We take a lot of things for granted. I mentioned this on Sunday as we paused to remember those who gave their lives in defense of our country. In many places around the world people cannot worship the God of their choice. If you are a Christian or a Jew you could be imprisoned for sharing your faith. A Bible is considered the same as a dangerous weapon.

I heard one speaker at a conference last year say that maybe the oppressive governments are on to something. The Bible has the power to transform lives, cultures, societies and the world if it is unleashed. It is dangerous in the wrong (right) hands.

Our country was founded on religious principles. The first settlers came seeking religious freedom and established a place where we could be free to worship and express our faith. Today we can't really say much about this in public. The freedom to express our religious views are being pushed aside because they aren't always politically correct. We are told that it isn't right because we could offend someone.

On Saturday at the Memorial Day Ceremony in Lebanon, the guest speaker shared his gratitude to God for the freedoms we have. He was open and honest about his faith as he shared a bit about his service in Afghanistan. As he spoke, I looked at the veterans who were seated in the front row of the crowd. Each and every one of them echoed his sentiments.

A few minutes later the First Selectman invited all of the veterans and all of the active duty servicemen and women to come forward. As they did the crowd began to clap and for the next four plus minutes the applause continued. It was the most moving event I have been to in years. There were veterans from all the wars present. World War II, Korea, Viet Nam, The Balkins, Dessert Storm and the current battle in Afghanistan and Iraq. There were tears in some eyes and it wasn't only the veterans.

Thank God for those who have served so bravely to protect and preserve our freedoms.

Cal