250 YEARS OF AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

             You may go to France, but you will never become a Frenchman.  You may go to Greece, but you will never become a Greek.  You may go to China, but you will never become a Chinese, to Japan and never become a Japanese.  But anyone can come to America and become an American.  That is the greatness of this country we call the United States of America!                                                                                              Angie Papadakis

  

“The United States of America is a great nation, founded on gospel-based principles and values.  I believe our leaders were guided by Deity during the very formation of our country to make it so.  In turn, we are promised by God we will always have His care and protection as long as we serve Him. 

In a 1775 letter when George Washington was the head of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, he wrote: “A kind of destiny ... has thrown me upon this service. I shall hope that my undertaking of it is designed to answer some good purpose.”

That “good purpose” was that the United States was where the Lord intended for liberty to take hold so that agency might thrive. Here the gospel would put down roots and then branch out with truths to bless millions.

Though we are aware that religious freedom is clearly under fire, teachings based on faith in God have always contributed to moral actions that benefit the entire nation.  Cultivating a sincere and abiding love for all others, by loving our country and its values, and most of all by demonstrating love for Jesus Christ, the Son of God, will help us joyfully engage in the Lord’s great work to help us maintain freedom and liberty for all in our wonderful country—and around the world.  It is a work for everyone to preserve freedom and moral agency.” 

(The above is a summary of remarks given by Ronald A. Rasband, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He was the keynote speaker in the 2026 Patriotic Service of America’s Freedom Festival, Sunday, June 28, 2026)

 

I am grateful for this bold message with wise words which invite us to be more valiant during challenging times ahead when our country’s values and freedom may be contested even more. 

Let’s take an active part in preserving our God-given freedom and moral agency every day by extending a sincere love for all—here and around the world!  We are truly brothers and sisters in Christ’s family no matter where we live.

 

 John Adams gave the following suggestion at the time of the Declaration of Independence.  I hope you celebrated July 4, 2026, in the same true American style as it was celebrated that day 250 years ago on July 4, 1776, when we declared ourselves a nation!

“The 4^th of July,1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history of America. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward….”