Friday, September 17, 2010

My America, My Country 'Tis of Thee

After reading Elder Dallin H Oaks keynote address at today's Constitution Day Celebration at the Tabernacle on Temple Square, I was deeply touched with his choice of closing "with a poetic prayer. It is familiar to most Americans because we sing it in one of our loveliest hymns. It expresses gratitude to God for liberty, and it voices a prayer for continued blessings:


Our fathers’ God, to thee,

Author of liberty,

To thee we sing;

Long may our land be bright

With freedom’s holy light.

Protect us by thy might,

Great God, our King!" 




Elder Oaks suggested five responsibilities that we have as citizens of the great country:  
1. Understand the Constitution
2.  Support the Law
3.  Practice Civic Virtue 
4. Maintain Civility in Political Discourse
5. Promote Patriotism

No doubt, we fall short in various areas of #'s 1-4, but, we excell in our Patriotic Attitudes and Enthusiasm! (And not with "short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication" that defines our lives!)



No comments:

Post a Comment

Please leave us a message and let us know what you think! We hope you enjoyed your visit!