Each year at this time, we celebrate the founding of our great country. Any kind of travel around the world quickly reveals that this is indeed a great country. While it is not without its faults and problems, any honest assessment reveals that we have been truly blessed to live here today. So, we celebrate with enthusiasm.

I am thankful for the economy of this country. Capitalism has allowed creativity to thrive and advancements to proceed. The inventions which have made modern life comfortable were largely products of American ingenuity. Not because Americans are smarter, but because the system rewards ingenuity. I am thankful that even the poorest among us are rich by the standards of the world.

I am thankful for our political system. Yes, it seems broken at times. But it does allow the average citizen to participate and have a say. It protects the smallest states. The checks and balances are still working for the most part. And when we disagree with our politicians and express that disagreement, we are not afraid of being arrested. This is not normal in world history.

I am thankful for our religious liberties. The past 200 years are an aberration in world history. We can worship in freedom. While we recognize that this liberty is under assault, we have addressed that in other venues. For the purposes of this letter, I simply want to express gratitude for what we have. Sunday we will gather without fear of persecution. We are not worried that the police will close our doors. I am not worried that I will spend time in prison for what I say on Sunday. We must not take this for granted. And we cannot allow this liberty to make us passive in our worship of God.

I am thankful for those who have fought and died to protect these liberties. These liberties have been costly. Men and women have given their lives for us so that we could continue life as we know it. I want to conclude by saying thank you to them. To the men and women of Cambria who have served our country, thank you. You sacrificed for us. We can never repay that debt. As we celebrate this weekend, we do so because of what you have done for us. May God bless you for your sacrifice. And may God bless America!