Happy birthday to the land of the free and the home of the brave!

250 year is a record for the length of existence for a democratic republic. We've made it this far, living in the freedom that has been purchased and sustained by those willing to give of their lives.

Our name, the United States, has been challenged by some, off and on over the twenty-five decades of our existence. Just how united is our "United?" We've fought off many who have desired our country's demise and, at times, we've even fought against each other.

But has kept this nation functioning?

Good leadership is important. Strong military gives us some security. Our economy has fluctuated but hasn't crashed lately.

We believe the song, "God Bless America" holds the key. Our nation exists because of God's grace shed on us.

It's definitely t ...