SCOTT DEPOT, WV (ANS) -- This weekend, the United States of America is celebrating another year of independence and freedom. We do so knowing that the forces of evil are nipping at our heels like vicious dogs barking and thirsting for our nation’s blood. That is a terrible way to begin a column that is always positive and full of hope.

I do have good news for America. Facing strong opposition is nothing new for the United States. Just as our birth of freedom was not easy and painless so our continuing liberty and prosperity has not been without sacrifice. The things that have made this nation great have been our respect for others, our reverence for God, our realization of the worth of each human being, our recognition of the enemy and our responsibility to help make life better for our nation and the entire world.

During my growing-up years in the small coal mining community of Wevaco, West Virginia, we always looked forward to July 4. That day brought with it several components when properly put together made it an unforgettable day. Fireworks! Baseball games, picnics, family reunions and ice cream.

Our family, Mom and Dad and three children, had a lot of fun. About mid-morning, Bob Johnson, who drove the grocery delivery truck for the Carbon Fuel Coal Company, would come to our house with a two-gallon can of vanilla ice cream packed in dry ice. We got all the ice cream we wanted.

Kitty and I now live in beautiful, growing and prosperous Teays Valley and all kinds of celebratory events are taking place this weekend. Teays Valley Christian School scheduled an ice cream party with lots of music. Teays Valley Church of God planned a parade of various kinds of floats and automotive vehicles. Others will use nearby golf courses, swimming pools, walking trails, beautiful shade trees and whatever the mind can conjure up as a fitting party event.

It may be true that a few million people want to see the United States lose in every way because they do not like the idea of a nation that leads the world in championing freedom, individual rights and personal liberty. Freedom loving people always want to share liberty with all who are oppressed.

While it is true that our nation has been involved for several years in a difficult war on two fronts, it is also true that we might have convincingly won much earlier had all our citizens focused their attention and efforts on winning as soon as possible. We must always remember that “United we stand. Divided we fall.”

There would have been no such thing as “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America” adopted and signed on July 4, 1776, if there had not been a strong sense of total commitment toward the eventual goal of freedom and independence. Those who served under General George Washington were in the battle until total victory was won.

In the liberty book are these words: “ . . . and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17). The Lord spoke to Moses during The Year of Jubilee that he should “ . . . proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants” (Leviticus 25:10, NKJ).

When there is freedom in the land, the people will prosper. They will respect others and permit them to choose for themselves. They will reverence God in all their behavior. We will all realize that every human being is of great worth. We will recognize our enemies and find strength to overcome. We will shoulder individual responsibility to love and protect our nation.

Freedom and independence can be lost by any careless generation. Be thankful for the gift of freedom. If ever lost, it is almost impossible to regain it.

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Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist, and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 1600 columns and widely known as a motivator utilizing enjoyment of life and just plain fun and laughter while speaking to high school, university and professional sports teams as well as to business and professional groups of all kinds. His keen understanding of human problems make him a favorite speaker for youth, parent, and senior adult meetings. He is accompanied by Kitty, his wife, favorite singer, editor and publisher. For information on becoming a subscriber to the Ellis Column for your newspaper or magazine, you may contact him at: BILL ELLIS, P.O.Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560 or by calling: 304-757-6089.