Happy Birthday USA

In 1776 America declared it’s independence from British rule. The people of this great country decided they had had enough. They decided they wanted the freedom to determine their own course in life. They wanted the freedom to live life the way they thought was best and they wanted that freedom for their future generations. They were so determined that they were willing to fight and die for the right to freedom.

Today as we celebrate this country’s birth, I wanted to reflect on my own families history in this country. I have been doing research on http://www.ancestry.com/ and have found some wonderful information. To this point nearly every line I have traced, I have been able to trace for more than 150 years. Some even longer than that. At least four lines I have traced to have immigrated to the America’s before the Revolutionary War. One man on my mother’s side was one of the men who established the British Colony of Maryland, his name was William Burgess.

Today, I want to remember 5 of my great grandfathers. These men, are the ones that I have found information on that shows they fought in the great Revolutionary War. They fought so that I can have freedom to worship, freedom to own property, freedom to vote for elected officials, freedom to speak what is on my mind, freedom from tyranny.

Their names:

Enos Browning my 6X Great Grandfather who was awarded 100 Acres of land by Patrick Henry ESQ for his 5 years of military service in the Revolution. Some of this land is still owned by descendants of Enos.

Joshua Miller my 5X Great Grandfather

Phillip Harless Sr. my 4X Great Grandfather

Martin Harless my 5X Great Grandfather

Because of the service of these men and many like them, you and I live in a free country. As we gather for picnics, parades and firework displays, remember why it is that we do this and those who put themselves in harms way for that right.

God Bless you and the country of the United States of America. May she forever remember the godly principals that she was founded upon. One Nation under GOD.