Happy Birthday America!

Alexis de Tocqueville, a French nobleman and political scientist, came to America in 1831 seeking to find just what made America so great. This is what he said:

"I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of America in her harbors; in her fertile fields and boundless forests; in her rich mines and vast world commerce; in her public school system and institutions of learning. I sought for it in her democratic Congress and in her matchless Constitution." But Alexis did not find the cause for America's greatness in any of those assets. It was not until he visited America's churches and heard the preaching of righteousness therein did he, "understand the secret of her genius and power".

He concluded:

"America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

"America! America!

God shed His grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!"

We have had an amazing 230 years and I am thankful to have been born in this great country. So, Happy Birthday America: may you continue to be great and good!