Independence Day

I am grateful to live in America. I am especially grateful to our Founding Fathers, whose mighty shoulders we now stand upon. May we ever protect the freedom of this great Nation that so many have fought for, and died to preserve. 

I am especially grateful this year for the freedom of religion. 

I am grateful that this nation was prepared to be the place where the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored. 

I am grateful to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

I am grateful for my Mormon Pioneer ancestors (on both sides) who left their homelands across the sea, and came to this land to be free to practice their religion. I stand upon their mighty shoulders of faith and courage. They laid down their lives to provide a foundation of faith for their posterity. 

I will not let them down. 

I will continue to pull my handcart of faith -- despite persecution and hardships -- just as they did. 

I am grateful for Charles's ancestors who were soldiers. So many of his ancestors fought in the great wars of this Country. They fought for freedom. His ancestors made it possible for my ancestors to be free to practice their faith. I am forever grateful to them. I love, honor, and respect them. 

Captain William van Ormer 

Let us remember those who have laid the foundation of freedom before us . . . we would be nothing without the great men and women of courage and faith. 

May God bless the United States of America.