It's nearly the fourth of July!

 This year we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States.  I graduated from HS in 1976 - it was a huge celebration that year.   

This year, I think the World Cup in the United States has taken away some of the celebration...but having visitors from all over the world reminds us why being an American is so good.  The freedoms we have and the ability to make our own decisions on so many things.

Even with all of the political battles and traditions being overturned, I found these articles on the internet about the blessings of being an American.  It's time to be thankful for all we have.  Who knew that our simple Ranch Dressing would be something the world visitors wanted to take home, or the free refills and chips/salsa that are served at all Mexican restaurants.  Sometimes we need to remember it the simple things that make America special.

From Forbes:

As 2026 approaches, here are 10 reasons to believe in and have confidence in America.

1. The Education and Innovation Nation. From light bulbs to airplanes, GPS and artificial intelligence, the United States has led in technological innovation for the past 150 years. Two key reasons: More than half of the world’s top 50 colleges are in the United States, and the country spends nearly $1 trillion annually on research and development — more than any other nation.
2. Ample Natural Resources. Many countries rely on importing large amounts of energy and food to sustain their populations. Much of what the United States needs is already available domestically. The nation ranks among the top five in oil and gas reserves, minerals, rare-earth elements, forests and arable land that produces corn, wheat, soybeans and other crops. It is also in the top 10 for potable water. The country is protected by oceans to the east and west and bordered by allied nations to the north and south. These resources have led presidents from Thomas Jefferson to Abraham Lincoln to suggest that divine forces safeguard the United States. The 19th-century German leader Otto von Bismarck once remarked, “There is a providence that protects idiots, drunkards, children and the United States of America.”
3. The Financial and Investment Capital of the World. The United States remains a leading place to grow and launch a company. More firms went public in the U.S. this year than in the rest of the world combined. Eight U.S. companies are expected to invest as much as $371 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure in 2025 — more than the gross domestic product of mid-sized countries such as Belgium and Thailand. The nation also remains a preferred destination for global investors. By the end of last year, the United States had $5.71 trillion in foreign direct investment, more than $2 trillion above China.
4. Our Demographic Advantage. A growing population is essential for economic growth, posing challenges for some of America’s global competitors. China’s population, affected in part by its one-child policy, could decline from 1.4 billion today to fewer than 800 million by 2100. Russia has also faced demographic decline from lower birth rates and reduced immigration, a trend accelerated when about 650,000 people left during the war in Ukraine. Although the U.S. birth rate has been falling, the Census Bureau projects the nation’s population will be more than 30 million larger in 2100 than it is today, supported by immigration.
5. Still a Nation of Immigrants. Despite ongoing debate about immigration, a record 79% of Americans say it is good for the country. According to an MIT study, immigrants are 80% more likely to start a business in the U.S. than those born here. Nearly half of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children, meaning millions of Americans work in jobs created by people born elsewhere. Beyond measurable economic benefits, the nation’s diverse immigrant communities continue to shape food, art, culture and music across the country.
6. Freedom of Speech and Worship. In recent years, concerns have grown about limits on free speech online and in public spaces. At the same time, religiously motivated hate crimes have increased over the past decade. Still, 81% of Americans say protecting freedom of speech “at all costs” is important, and 84% say freedom of religion is extremely or very important to the United States.
7. A Culture of Tolerance and Equality. Some portray the United States as a nation divided by intolerance. There is another perspective. In 1958, just 4% of Americans told Gallup they approved of interracial marriage. Today, 94% approve. Two-thirds of Americans support same-sex marriage, and three-quarters back policies that protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations.
8. A Respected, Volunteer and Nonpartisan Military. Americans have lost trust in many institutions, including the media, government and higher education. The military, however, remains the nation’s most trusted institution. While some seek to align it with partisan interests, 83% of Americans across political affiliations say the U.S. military should remain politically neutral.
9. The Most Giving Nation. Americans give more to charity than people in any other nation. Last year, they donated nearly $600 billion, with two-thirds of that total coming from individuals.
10. We are the World’s Oldest Continuous Democracy. The United States has maintained an uninterrupted democratic government since the Constitution was adopted in 1789. The nation’s democracy is 59 years older than Switzerland’s, the second-longest, and 112 years older than Australia’s, the third-longest.

These 10 strengths are substantial enough to sustain innovation and growth. Benjamin Franklin, when asked on the final day of the Constitutional Convention what kind of government the delegates had created, replied, “A republic … if you can keep it.” America’s enduring strengths — and its people — can help keep the republic strong and reaffirm the simple words: “I am proud to be an American.”

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From another post:

10 Reasons I’m Thankful to Be an American

We Owe a Debt to Veterans

By Dr. Paul Chappell, Wednesday, November 11, 2015

1. I have freedom—to vote, to speak, to travel, to live. We enjoy a level of freedom people in repressed nations cannot even fathom.
2. I pledge to a flag I am proud of. The stars and stripes of Old Glory represent the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of those who purchased our freedom.
3. I have a rich heritage—of courage, faith, honor, and sacrifice. Not only do I have this heritage, but I have been raised in a nation that has taught me to be thankful for it.
4. Our government is branched for balance. Yes, it tips out of control at times, but our founding fathers had the wisdom to set three branches of government with checks and balances to encourage the government to serve and protect the people. Again, we do not understand the gift it is to not live under a harsh, repressive government.
5. We are friends with Israel. Although our current administration has tried to push Israel, the United States has long committed to stand as Israel’s ally. God promised to bless nations that bless Israel (Genesis 12:3).
6. We have a strong military. I’m thankful for the men and women who have staked their lives for my freedom.
7. We have a culture that runs deep with Christian values. Not all of our founding fathers were born-again Christians, but many were. And the strong Judeo-Christian heritage they set for us has shaped our nation. Freedom, honesty, hard work, sacrifice, integrity, and generosity are not encouraged, or even applauded, in every culture.
8. I have liberty to worship and to witness. I not only can practice my faith, but I can freely share the Gospel with others as well.
9. We enjoy prosperity. Even in a lean economy, Americans have more than most of the rest of the world. Even the poorest of us are considered wealthy in developing countries.
10. God blesses America. Every item in the list above is a result of God’s blessing on our land. I’m thankful for His favor, and I pray for Americans to turn back to Him.

I am thankful for 250 years.  American remember your roots.  We can make it another 250 years.  Great Awakening Movie