I fiercely loved him and have always been proud of my family's military service. My grandfather fought in World War I and the Spanish American War.  My older brothers served in combat as officers in Vietnam and the Gulf War.  I joined ROTC in college before deciding against a career as an Army officer.  I did pursue a career in journalism and even that was about "truth, justice and the American way."   
            But as I stood in the shadow of Mount Rushmore a few weeks ago, I realized my heart had grown cold toward my country. Who among us has not felt disillusioned or disappointed in recent years by the increasing challenges we face as citizens and as a nation?  It seems we only hear criticism of our leaders, our nation, and our people these days.  I suddenly realized the toll this taken on my sense of patriotism.  I asked God to help change my heart.  I wanted to fall in love with my country again.             
            Next we drove across Wyoming and Montana.  The sky was so big, blue, and limitless, it was visually overwhelming.  Breathtaking.  Exhilerating.  Liberating.  Oh, Beautiful!  For Spacious Skies! Whoever wrote those words had seen this sky.  It represented the unlimited horizons and possibilities for which millions of people have risked it all.  I couldn't help falling in love with the sheer beauty of what we saw.   
            But it was seeing the people who live across the country that changed my heart.  I saw families enjoying life together.  People everywhere were open, polite, friendly, and generous.  Children looked happy and spoke with respect.  It was OK to talk about God.  I was reminded that Americans can be kind and generous, lovers of God and each other.   America! America! God shed His grace on Thee!  And crown Thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!  This 4th of July, I will once again be celebrating our nation's independence and freedom with my whole heart.  I pray you will, too.