Happy 4th of July

Well Happy Birthday to America and Happy Birthday to me. I am born on the 4th of July and happy to share my birthday with America. Funny thing is, until I was 5, I thought all those fireworks in my backyard were for me. What a shock to find out we were celebrating Independence Day too. Ruined me, it did. But it also created in me a love for this country and I have always been very patriotic. I have the picture of "George Washington Kneeling in Prayer" hanging in my family room. It always reminds me of the courage and the sacrifices of those who have gone before and those that are currently serving in our military to protect and preserve our freedoms.

America is a wonderful country and I feel so blessed to have been born here. I think the American way of life is the best way of life and the best place to allow us to live the gospel. I love the principles of agency and individual rights the constitution is based on and I consider it a sacred document. I hang my American flag proudly and cover my heart when I say the pledge and hear the National Anthem. I appreciate and value my right to vote. I appreciate that my father served in the army and Greg's
dad was a pilot in the Navy in WW2.

One of my neatest experiences, was going to New Hampshire this year to work for Mitt Romney in the primary election .I was asked to come to New Hampshire ( along with 50 others) to help with the New Hampshire primary. I helped gather names for the petitions needed to put Mitt on the ballot in Virginia. Several of us were identified from Virginia...it is considered one of the most civically minded states. We were one of the few groups that was paid for by the campaign. There were 6 of us from Richmond and the rest from Northern, Va. It was difficult to re-arrange my schedule to go, but I am so glad I did. Our group took 6 vans from DC to Manchester, N.H. That is where the Mitt headquarters was . We actually stayed in Andover in a lovely Marriot Residence Inn. We spent most days at headquarters calling lists and having discussions with residents about the candidates and why they should support Mitt. Some very interesting conversations. We also went to a town hall meeting ....met Mitt and Ann Romney and some of their children. We met several famous national reporters from the different stations. I was interviewed by several and was even on Fox news. I also made the Washington Post the day after the election.There were several European dignitaries that came from abroad to see our political process. We heard comments and mini-talks from a few dignitaries. Mitt and Ann Romney came to speak to us and thank us at Headquarters the night before the election. .We worked up until a few minutes before the polls closed then headed over to another locale for what we hoped was going to be a victory party. Unfortunately it didn’t turn out that way..but we worked very hard. It was an amazing experience to see everything so up close and personal. And how involved the people of New Hampshire are in the political process. It is amazing how many people work at the Headquarters doing different jobs. And there were some great volunteers from all over the country. Our team was really fun and we laughed a lot the whole week. And had a lot of discussions on religion and politics..made me grateful for my knowledge and testimony. I am so glad I went. It was a once in a lifetime experience. And I felt good about the service I gave and what I learned. I was asked to come work in a few other primaries but couldn't work it our after having been gone for a week in January.

I was glad to be more involved in the politocal process this year. I have worked on several campaigns in my life, but never going out of my local area. This truly was unique. Only In the USA, could something like this happen. I guess that is why everyone wanted to come see our way of doing things. I hope I never take my freedom and the principles I value for granted. Thank You America and Happy Birthday!