On Sunday, the United States of America will once again commemorate the 4th of July, or Independence Day, and the country will celebrate its 234th birthday. This date acknowledges the signing of the Declaration of Independence by fifty-six (56) men who fully understood that their resistance and declaration could result in their death if they were to be captured. A careful look and inspection of the wording in this document clearly indicates the personal, moral , and religious beliefs that each man held, and their firm faith in, acknowledgement of, and “dependence upon”, the “Creator”, “Nature’s God”, the “Supreme Judge of the world”, and “Divine Providence”. Each of these men fully respected the fact that their destiny was not to be determined wholly by their own actions, but was truly “dependent” upon the “will of God”. Each had a level of humility to fully appreciate the fact that God, as the Creator, was the one to whom “thanks and praise” should always be provided, and that the extraordinary bounty which they enjoyed was due to this Creator, and not their own efforts or actions alone.

In today’s world, and unfortunately in today’s American culture, any reference to “God” in a public venue or forum, in schools, at recreational or sporting events, or on any building or display, has been prohibited and declared “allegedly” un-constitutional, by a Court in America to satisfy a minority viewpoint and justify such with a very narrow construction and interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. Recognizing the existence of God, or acknowledging our dependence upon our “Creator” is not the establishment of a “religion” or an organized “faith” by the government of this country. By acknowledging our “human” weaknesses, failures, and limitations, when viewed in the light of the “Creator” or “Supreme Judge of the world” seems to be not only logical, rational, and obvious, but also, appropriate to embrace the virtue of “humility”, as opposed to the vice of “pride”. Interestingly enough, the founders of our country believed that Divine Providence was the reason for their coming to the New World to secure and protect the “unalienable rights” endowed by their Creator, stated as “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”. Our modern day denial of the presence and impact of our Creator in our lives is not only tragic, but also full of sinful pride.

Today we “claim” to be a more enlightened and progressive society. We believe that all of the “human” innovation and science makes us so much better and smarter than our forefathers. Human life is the greatest gift from the Creator, and therefore respect and appreciation for human life and human existence, and the dignity of man, are fundamental and required. The desire to rid the world of oppression, hatred, and human-induced pain and suffering is indeed noble. To do so, however, we, as a people, must return to the fundamental tenants and beliefs which our fore-fathers endorsed……

The American currency today reminds us, in no uncertain terms, that: “IN GOD WE TRUST”…. If we truly do “trust God”, then we must begin to act accordingly and show the rest of the civilized and God-fearing world, and one another, that we are serious in that belief. I am sure that there were many critics and objectors 234 years ago, and fortunately for us, there were more dedicated “leaders” and “statesmen” who endured the criticism and doubt, and remained committed, faithful, and hopeful to their properly-developed conscience, their beliefs and their desire for freedom…Above all, they “trusted” in God and thankfully, were not afraid to show that trust in word and deed.

Many Americans will host family gatherings or other events to celebrate the birthday of America. Tens of thousands of Americans will be working to provide needed and valuable services to insure that our freedoms and choices are protected, and that the quality of life and the American lifestyle is maintained in this country. As Americans, we have always been a very compassionate and caring people. Today, many in our country are currently unemployed, are in financial difficulties, and are enduring the effects of natural disasters or other man-made problems (i.e., Gulf oil crisis), or are fighting a significant health or medical condition... Lend your time, talent, energy, and resources (and prayers) to assist another in need. American philanthropy is needed to make the difference for some truly less fortunate than we might be.

Also, please remember our law enforcement, firemen, and intelligence services personnel who are charged with the duty to protect us from harm each and every day. Remember our medical and emergency services professionals as they remain on call as needed. Remember to fully and unequivocally support all of the men and women of our country’s Armed Forces located throughout the world and pray for their safe return to their families.

As we celebrate July 4th this Sunday, we should never forget the source and the reason for the holiday. Please take the time to first thank God for His continuing blessings and grace upon America. Pray for peace in our World and the opportunity for all people to self-govern themselves. Our desire should be to see more free nations and peoples who can find and experience the “independence” and freedom that Americans have enjoyed for well over two centuries. Because of these blessings and our freedom, we have no fear of a dictator, monarch, king, or other oppressive form of government seizing control of our lives. And as our forefathers so aptly stated, and as the Declaration of Independence declares: “we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor”…

Finally, may we reflect on the lyrics of the great American hymn, “America the Beautiful”, as we sing and remember: “America, America, God shed His grace on thee, and crown Thy good, with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea…”

Happy 4th of July, and a safe and appreciative Independence Day!

J.H. Campbell, Jr.

jcampbell@agbr.com

Associated Grocers, Inc.

P.O. Box 261748

Baton Rouge, La. 70826-1748