It’s crazy-good what Americans do in July!

We wave flags. Peacefully parade in the streets. Honor the military, first responders, and civilians. Gather as families. Picnic. Cherish freedom.

As a retired military officer, I smile at our Independence Day celebrations, knowing a measure of the sacrifice in people and treasure that secured the liberties we live with today. Military, firefighters, police, and medical professionals serve in physically dangerous positions. And many in our nation sacrifice time, energy, and money to keep us free.

Like many others, I’m a patriot. I defended our Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, while serving as an active-duty military man in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army. I wasn’t alone. Millions of uniformed service members, not only on active duty, but in the National Guard and the Reserves, served before, with, and after me.

The Constitution and its amendments are an essential framework for peace, harmony, and equality in our nation. The freedom provided by the U.S. Constitution is limited freedom to ensure protection for its citizens and visitors. When anarchy reigns, terror is not far behind. When lawlessness abounds, the law-abiding are in danger.

As a patriot, I believe we must take action to work through our issues in an orderly fashion. Through discussion and changes in laws or procedures, we should prove ourselves to be mature individuals, serving one another while leading, teaching, guiding, protecting, and supporting each individual within freedom’s boundaries. We must create a growing and unified society which prospers for the benefit of all.

I salute those who’ve been on their knees praying that God will restore our nation to uphold the ideals that all men are created equal, that we can work out that practical application, and live in peace.

Aaron M. Zook, Jr.

The Crashin’ Coaster Mystery by Aaron M. Zook, Jr.

Aaron M. Zook, Jr. is a multiple-award-winning author and speaker. He’s thrilled thousands with his YA Christian mystery/adventure series about two inquisitive brothers and their dogs who solve one crisis after another around the world. Aaron is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and lives with his wife, Joyce, in Texas.