It is indeed the season of Pentecost in the Christian church calendar, but it is also a season in which the spirit of freedom and democracy spreads throughout our great nation.
What other time of year is there like the period between Memorial Day, D-Day, Flag Day and Independence Day? Parades and celebrations bring together people to remember and thank the millions who sacrificed so much to protect and secure the freedoms we so often forget. It’s a glorious five or six weeks of patriotic spirit unlike any other time of the year.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Operation Neptune, the Allied landing on the beaches of Normandy, and the world’s attention is focused on the largest military operation in history. I’ve never been there, but every news outlet these days offers a bird’s-eye view of it, through old newsreels and daily commemorative articles. The sheer weight and importance of these events, which deeply impacted American life and fulfilled the dreams we were promised, deserves more of a response than a few days off work for a picnic or a potluck.
Why not proactively use the freedoms promised in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, especially freedom of religion and freedom of speech? Those who know me know that I have exercised these freedoms in my 50 years as a pastor and have encouraged others to do the same.
Specifically, on Lake Pleasant near Hackensack, Minnesota, on the Fourth of July, everyone decorates their boats or pontoons, backs them off the pier, and joins in the 10 a.m. Boat Parade, which slowly makes its way along the lakeshore. On the other side of the lake, my voice is joined by a chorus of “God Bless America,” and people standing on shore waving flags join in the song, as do the other boaters.
You might say I am exercising my religious freedom! But that is your freedom too!
For your convenience, we have included the lyrics below:
“God Bless America“
God bless my beloved country, America.
Stand by her and guide her.
Spending the night with the light from above
From the mountains to the grasslands
Into the sea white with foam
God bless my homeland, America
God bless my beloved country, America.
Stand by her and guide her.
Spending the night with the light from above
From the mountains to the grasslands
Into the sea white with foam
God bless my homeland, America
From the mountains to the grasslands
Into the sea white with foam
God bless my homeland, America
God bless my homeland, America
Editor’s note: Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN) contributor Rev. Rod Anderson also serves on the EPLN Board of Directors. He was the senior pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie.
Interested in contributing a faith-based column to EPLN? Email editor@eplocalnews.org .
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