Marlene invited me to join their ward family in a flag raising ceremony in Cardon Park, just back of their home.
Scouts Kyle and Tyler participated in the raising of the flag.
A girl in their ward sang "The Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America".
We all pledged Allegiance to the Flag as we celebrate our nation's birthday.
The guest speaker was Ken Bennett, the secretary of State for Arizona. He gave a great analogy using visual aids.
He said that the constitution of the United States can be likened to an extension cord, a power strip surge protector and a three-splinter. The power cord delivers power from the source--a wall outlet--to the place where you need the electric power. The Constitution sends the power, NOT from the government to the people, but from the people to the government. "We the people have rights already given us by God, but we delegate some of them to the government to watch over us.
The surge protector has a switch that limits power, just as the constitution limits how much power the government can have. The Bill of Rights lists many things that the government cannot take from us, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, etc.The three-way splinter divides power into three branches of government, not just one. There's the legislative branch, which makes the laws, the executive branch, which runs the government, and the judicial branch, which interprets the law and the constitutionality of them. It was a great visual description of our amazing constitution.
Brother Bennett then sang a beautiful song about the Arlington Cemetery and those who lie there who gave their all that our country might be free.
I am happy that I could be with my children and grandchildren to hear this great talk.
The fire truck came and sprayed the children in the park to cool them off on a hot morning.
The children had lots of fun playing in the water.
They enjoyed getting wet.
This was a great way to cool off.
I enjoyed watching the children having a good time playing in the water.
I enjoyed my visit with Ken Bennett after his talk. He put me in touch with his parents who also served a mission in Indonesia.
Emily joins in the fun and is soaking wet.
The water spray from the fire truck brought joy to lots of people.
After the fun playing in the sprayed water the children got on their bikes, tricycles, skateboards and anything else and had a little parade.
Kyle and Tyler are ready for the parade.
My grandson gets out his bike ready for the parade.
Ryan's dad helped him decorate his bicycle with red, white and blue streamers.
Jaron enjoyed the festivities.
What a cute little guy with his red, white and blue stars and stripes.
The parade is ready to begin.
It would not be the 4th of July without a parade.
I enjoyed watching the children.
I had a nice morning and enjoyed being with my children and grandchildren to celebrate our Nation's birthday. I grateful to live in a country where we can enjoy freedom. I know that the great men who drafted our constitution were inspired in founding a nation "under God" where The Church of Jesus Christ could be restored.
