I have to post about Gracie’s second celebration of Independence Day here in America. I am sure it will take her several years to realize the importance of this special day. I am appreciating more and more the cost of our freedom but I do not think I will totally grasp it in its entirety. Vietnam Veteran Joseph Popvich wrote, "Freedom has a price that the protected will never know. Those who haven't spent time at war can't imagine the atrocities nor can they understand the oppression under which others live," he said.

I love my country and I am proud to be an American. Please do not get me wrong. It is not that I do not like other countries or that I do not appreciate their cultures. I just love the United States and I think America is the best place in the world to live and be a citizen. I am thankful for freedom, which I think too many people underestimate. It may be because they have never known what it was like not to be free.
I have become very fond of China, the Chinese people and the culture. I find it fascinating but Gracie was not free in China. I am thankful for the Chinese government for allowing us to adopt Gracie however Gracie was not free there. If Gracie were still in China she would not have the choices that are given to children here in America. If she grew up in China she would not be able to voice her opinion or make many of the decision girls in America take for granted. Because of Independence day Grace no longer faces the persecution girls deal with in China.
In the Declaration of Independence it states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Because of this Gracie will know what it is like to have life, liberty to make her own choices and pursue her own dreams.

On July 5, 2005 President George W. Bush wrote, “Americans live in freedom because of the enduring power of our ideals. In the midst of World War II, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt reminded our troops that our Nation believes in the “right to liberty under God—for all peoples and races and groups and nations everywhere in the world.” Because of our independence Gracie can worship an awesome God without the fear of persecution. She will grow up and be an amazing part of His plan. She will love and be loved. Gracie is free.

Story related links:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07179/797630-55.stm

http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/index.htm

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/07/20050701-4.html