LET FREEDOM RING

Independence Day is fast approaching. I have been reading and hearing a great deal about how we can celebrate it. Surrounding towns and cities will be having firework displays and community picnics.

With higher gas prices, fewer families will be travelling to homes of relatives and friends. On some airlines free frequent flier miles will now have a fee attached to them. This too will reduce the number of holiday travelers.

This past week Sharon and I have watched the series on John Adams and have been inspired by the courage of the founders of our nation. Often we read of the great men who signed our Declaration of Independence and created our Constitution. Without the vision and inspiration of men like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson one cannot imagine what might have happened to our country following the Revolution.

But what of the unnamed thousands of men, boys and women who gave their lives, limbs and property to present us with the freedom we enjoy today. Then there are the millions since the Revolution who have given their lives to retain that freedom.

In our prayers let us remember them and those currently fighting. We must be ever vigilant to preserve our constitutional freedom from enemies both within and without our great land.
I have written the following poem to honor those who gave their lives to bring a new free nation into being:

THE MUSKET SHOT

Oh, listen, hear the musket shot,
What can the matter be?
For freedom and a sovereign land,
Fight Sons of Liberty.

With mission clear and flags unfurled,
These men went forth to war.
The drum boys’ beat and trumpet sound,
Bode what would lie in store.

They faltered not though great the foe,
While hearts were filled with dread.
On battlefields throughout the land,
Their precious blood was shed.

They fought within the colonies,
They knew it was their fate.
To make their country free at last,
A liberated state.

They battled on, ‘twas great their cause,
For family and friend.
Though great their loss and hard the fight,
Saw victory in the end.

As we look back at freedom’s call,
Our hearts are stirred with pride,
Oh, yes, we hear the musket shot.
And honor those who died.

Friends on this day when freedom rings,
We must be vigilant,
Lest we forfeit our precious rights,
For which their lives were spent.

Don E. Cunningham, ©6-28-2008 169

I hope you will have a very blessed Independence Day and that my poem will inspire you to give thanks for our freedom and our land.

Hugs, In Christ’s and My Love,

Don E. Cunningham, Author/Poet ©6/28/2008 445