There are places that hold a deeper meaning for us than others: the kind whose parts of nature sing with memory, whose beams are both protection and pillow, where furnishings tell stories others never knew and we will never forget.

Some of us might never leave, others of us venture to other places, but rest in the assurance of the place unchanging in its stability and dependability. And if we find, for whatever reason, we must leave that beloved place even temporarily, our eyes drink in some favorite spots as long as we can delay departure. And when that departure comes, the lump in our throat is our travel companion for miles.

Our nation is such a place. Born in its security, we live in its freedom and promise, barely recognizing what a precious gift it is. But the United States for America is a rare treasure that some die to reach and others die to keep. Freedom. Opportunity. Impartiality. God’s blessing.

Its citizens dare not forfeit that lump in the throat, those stories that amuse or inspire, and that vision that stabilizes and speaks to thought and sings to our hearts and is our best place.

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