My, my, my – do we have a lot to be thankful for here in America!

We are privileged to live in what Winston Churchill called “the arsenal of democracy.”  We see this played out in dramatic fashion all over the world.

The USA ensures the PAX Americana by keeping the lines of communication open throughout the world. Whether it is the Navy patrolling the South Pacific or keeping would-be tyrants from gobbling up smaller countries, Americans ensure that peace and prosperity are enjoyed by the world.

Don’t be discouraged by the troubles we are in now. They are real, and they hurt, but we will work our way out of them.

Not just through our military do we keep the world peaceful and prosperous; the safeguarding of innovation and intellectual property do more to keep the world progressing than the military force. The freedom of thought and ideas is the driving force that ensures progress across all fields. This is why the U.S.A is the greatest country in the world.

In the big house on Jackson, this Independence Day, the festivities will be loud and happy. All my living brothers are joining me here in Russellville. All but one are veterans.

I am the youngest of eight boys. My oldest brother finally succumbed to the harshness of Vietnam in 1996, and another, No. 6, passed in 1984, from complications of juvenile diabetes. No. 5 had a high draft number, so he was spared. No. 7 and I were too young for Vietnam, although we both served.

We’ll go to Huntsville and put flowers or on parents’ graves, remembering their service in World War II. We will spend the rest of the day remembering, playing cards, eating, cheating at cards, probably getting mad at each other from time to time – in other words, just enjoying our freedoms. This is why the U.S.A is the greatest country in the world.

There are several posts on social media saying America is not the greatest country in the world. And yes, there are many problems with our country right now: school shootings, political animosity spilling over into personal relationships, economic hardships, many social issues and, worst of all, an increasing lack of faith in God.

This can all be corrected.

The recent ruling overturning Roe v. Wade is causing much strife. While I believe this is the correct decision based on the Constitution, I believe Christians must spread the word of God to reduce the demand for abortion. We have this freedom. This is why the U.S.A is the greatest country in the world.

I feel fortunate to be a part of this nation, this state, this county and Russellville itself. I have two brothers coming from Texas and three from Huntsville to spend the weekend with me, celebrating the American way of life that so many have sacrificed to safeguard. This is why the U.S.A is the greatest country in the world.