“These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

It’s amazing how something written in 1776 by Thomas Paine for George Washington can be related to the crisis we are in now. As Americans we have beat tyranny once, but did Paine ever think there would be a time in the future where the rule of government and the reign of political figures would slave our country again. It’s only a matter of time until our country is in tyranny again.

But if Americans can rise up again like the 1,500 troops of the Continental Army did with George Washington on Dec. 23, 1776, three days before the Battle of Trenton, as those words were read to them, we to can stand together as a nation of millions and take the rule of government down again. 

We must stand up proud to be Americans Not ashamed of our past or apologizing to other countries because we are the best of the best. And God willing, we as Americans will always be the best.

When you think about America, think about the fireworks on the Fourth of July, the picnics on Memorial Day, and the blood, sweat and tears that made this country what it is. No matter your political beliefs, be proud to be an American, be proud our poor are the richest poor in the world, be proud we have the wealthiest nation in the world, and be proud millions of people every day dig, climb and swim to be in this country. And for good reason, too. Because we are the best!