A Note on July 4th

Today is July 4th, the day on which Americans pause and think of liberty, freedom, bbqs, fireworks and family. Today I charge you instead to think of those who no longer can do so because of their sacrifice to their country. To our country. America is a land that offers many freedoms, whether you are Republican, Democrat, Green, or other, keep in mind the liberties that you do enjoy in this amazing country. Things may be far from your "ideal" and things may happen that you do not support, but come the end of the day, we are all still citizens of one great nation.

Today, as you have a family barbecue, watch some fireworks, go to a parade, think of the countless men and women who gave the highest for our ability to have a hot dog today whilst saying "God bless America." Think of their families, their comrades, their friends who are constantly reminded of their loved one's sacrifice. Remember, many died for you to be here this day.

O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved,

And mercy more than life!

America! America! May God thy gold refine

Till all success be nobleness,

And ev'ry gain divine!

-America , the Beautiful 

Most recently, for my hometown, Prescott, Arizona has been greif stricken at the loss of 19 brave men who gave the highest sacrifice to try to prevent more loss. Their memories are truly for blessing, and we cannot thank them enough.


Thanks go to those who protect and serve this great country in many forms.

Police
Fire
Medical
Army
Navy
Marine Corp
Coast Guard
Air Force
National Guard
and countless others.

To those who gave the most,

זכר צדיק לברכה 

May their righteous memory be for blessing. 

So, go out of your way, thank someone who would not hesitate to risk their life for you, for your family, for their family, for America. And not just today, but everyday.

God Bless the USA, and have a happy Fourth.

And of Prescott's GMHS Crew: We mourn as a town the loss of the nineteen brave men who, like countless others, were the first ones in and the last ones out. May their families find comfort and hope with the city of Prescott and the country at their side.


OUR HEROES LOST:




Ashcraft, Andrew - Age: 29
Caldwell, Robert - Age: 23
Carter, Travis - Age: 31
Deford, Dustin - Age: 24
MacKenzie, Christopher - Age: 30
Marsh, Eric - Age: 43
McKee, Grant - Age: 21
Misner, Sean - Age: 26
Norris, Scott - Age: 28
Parker, Wade - Age: 22
Percin, John - Age: 24
Rose, Anthony - Age: 23
Steed, Jesse - Age: 36
Thurston, Joe - Age: 32
Turbyfill, Travis - Age: 27
Warneke, William - Age: 25
Whitted, Clayton - Age: 28
Woyjeck, Kevin - Age: 21
Zuppiger, Garret - Age: 27