Thoughts on This Independence Day

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. 

The two most important documents affecting the destiny of America are the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Both of these inspired, immortal papers relate primarily to the freedom of the individual. Founded upon that principle of free enterprise fostered by these documents, the United States of America, in less than two centuries, has achieved a greatness that far exceeds that of any other country in the world. - President David O. Mckay, Conference Report, October 1966, First Day—Morning Meeting, p.5

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. 

According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles; That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood. - Doctrine and Covenants - Section 101:77 - 80

This year as I sat and watched the local firework display my thoughts turned to this wonderful nation. To the freedoms and liberties we have been given, to the people who sacrificed so much and to those who continue to sacrifice that we may be a free nation. This country was founded by divine direction by noble men who trusted in a higher power and it is this heritage that I am profoundly grateful for. I am honored and proud to be an American. I will fight against any power, foreign or domestic, that tries to take away my freedom or destroy this great nation.

The American Dream is the opportunity to work hard and be successful in a land with religious freedom where the Constitution ensures your rights and liberties. This nation has been successful and great because of it. I hope all of my fellow American's remember their freedoms this Independence Day. I hope you all remember that freedom isn't free. We have to stand up for what is right and protect it from anyone or anything that tries to take it away from us.

Should we counsel people, "Just live your religion. There's no need to get involved in the fight for freedom"? No, we should not, because our stand for freedom is a most basic part of our religion; this stand helped get  us to this earth, and our reaction to freedom in this life will have eternal consequences. Man has many duties, but he has no excuse that can compensate for his loss of liberty. - Elder Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, October 1966, Afternoon Meeting, p.122

We again warn our people in America of the constantly increasing threat against our inspired Constitution and our free institutions set up under it. The same political tenets and philosophies that have brought war and terror in other parts of the world are at work amongst us in America. The proponents thereof are seeking to undermine our own form of government and to set up instead one of the forms of dictatorship now flourishing in other lands. These revolutionists are using a technique that is as old as the human race, - a fervid but false solicitude for the unfortunate over whom they thus gain mastery, and then enslave them. - Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. 6:,p.151

"The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." - Benjamin Franklin 

 And now as to the last neutralizer that the devil uses most effectively-it is simply this: "Don't do anything in the fight for freedom until the Church sets up its own specific program to save the Constitution." This brings us right back to the scripture I opened with today-to those slothful servants who will not do anything until  they are "compelled in all things." Maybe the Lord will never set up a specific church program for the purpose of saving the Constitution. Perhaps if he set one up at this time it might split the Church asunder, and perhaps he does not want that to happen yet for not all the wheat and tares are fully ripe. - Elder Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, April 1965, Afternoon Meeting, p.125

In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children - Book of Mormon - Alma 46:12

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