There is much that needs to be done
And even more that we can do.
We may fail; we have no guarantee of success
But a destiny awaits that only We the People can fulfill.
For as this vibrant ball of blue sails the celestial void,
We stand on the shoulders of the giants of the past.
Their strength supports us.
Their vision guides us.
Their example inspires us.
Freedom’s torch has been passed anew
Testing whether any people so conceived and so dedicated
can long endure the terrible terrors that threaten our time.
We face this challenge to our future
Not in fear but with faith
Not in doubt but with determination
Not in confusion but with confidence
The light of liberty shines brightly,
A beacon of hope to those who cling fast to its ways.
The light of liberty shines brightly,
As last best hope of earth continues on its rendezvous with destiny.
The light of liberty shines brightly,
As the multitudes who have become one in liberty boldly go forth to build a better tomorrow.
The light of liberty shines brightly,
A ray of death to doers of evil who seek to validate their passport to paradise through the massacre of the innocent.
When the document that defines us is amended so more may participate, the journey continues.
Be the Dream!
When the opportunities for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are strengthened, the journey continues.
Be the Dream!
When we remember that the eyes of the world are upon a city on a hill, the journey continues.
Be the Dream!
When a person becomes an American by Choice, the journey continues.
Be the Dream!
In the millennia to come, when the sun still rises on the glory of America,
When people note this time, this place, and this generation,
When the rebirth of Ground Zero has become a pilgrimage point for the planet
People will say with quiet dignity and solemn pride as we have in the past and do in the present about those who met the challenges of their times, that
we saw wrong and tried to right it,
we saw suffering and tried to heal it,
we saw war and tried to end the need for it,
That we did not waiver, we did not tire, we did not falter, we did not fail, and
That government of the people, by the people and for the people did not perish from the earth.
That is my prayer for America.
Amen
Wonderful!
Wonderful words! Are they going to heard!
Thank you but it is a written prayer only.
Thank you for this wonderful post and prayer. It’s exactly what our great Country needs to be reminded of as I fear we head toward more “Times that tried men’s souls” as said by Thomas Paine, Dec. 23, 1776:
““THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated”. God Bless America and God Bless all of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Marines.
As we start to plan for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution (I will be writing about that topic soon as NYS already is behind MA), there will be opportunities to recall the words that originally defined us a nation.
As always a timeless and brilliant piece. I have shared it via my Facebook page as I think people need to read this
Thank you stranger. I first wrote this after years of thinking about it after your father died. It has been updated a couple of times since. I have been praying for a long time. Yes, it would be nice if it went viral. maybe I should add a cat.
Thanks for this beautiful prayer–one that needs to go viral.
Yes, I would like it to go viral. As I told another commenter, next time I’ll add some cats. Maybe that will work.
Amen.
Amen!
Hope to see you… http://www.celebrateHAMILTON.com
Thank you, Peter! Well said and much needed.
Thanks. Feel free to spread the prayer throughout NPS if you think it is appropriate.
Timely and touching. Thank you, Peter