This Fourth of July, pause to give thanks

On Thursday, we celebrate for the 226th time the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the birth certificate of the free and prosperous nation we have become.

This year's celebrations need something extra.

On Sept. 11, evil struck at the very heart of America. Now we are war with the most insidious of enemies. There are no rules with terrorists, who are driven by hatred of our freedom and prosperity.

So this year, Americans should stop the celebration for a few moments and pray in the manner they deem appropriate.

They should thank God that they have the freedom to worship the way they want and speak their minds freely.

They should thank God for the choices they are allowed to make every day.

And then they should ask God to be with the families of those who died Sept. 11 and of those who died fighting in Afghanistan. And they should ask him to be with those still fighting the battles.

Now, more than ever, we need God's guidance if our nation is to remain what it is.