Happy Independence Day Everyone!

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My husband Steve is back with a guest post for the Fourth of July.

As a young man, I spent some time in France where I was blessed with the opportunity to see first-hand some of the places where world history was made.  On one particular day, I was in Paris at a place called Le Centre Pompidou which contains a museum and lots of open areas for artists and street performers.  As I was crossing the large courtyard that sits adjacent to the museum, I was confronted by a tough and imposing Frenchman, who for some reason, harbored an unexplained animosity towards Americans.  Upon discovering that I was from the United States he began to accost me with an unending barrage of disparaging remarks.  With increasing aggressiveness he grew louder and louder in his verbal attacks as he shouted for me to leave his country.  Given the visible nature of this spectacle, I began to feel very uncomfortable as I realized that dozens of people were stopping to stare at this man’s passionate objection to me being in his homeland, and I was not certain that the attacks would remain only verbal. 

As I searched for a way to peacefully escape the situation, I suddenly noticed an old, small, Frenchman slowly walking towards us.  With a dark blue beret and a crisp baguette tucked under his arm, he represented the classic image of a French native.  He was stooped with age and had a slow but determined pace; but as he reached the spot where we stood, he looked up with a gaze that conveyed a fire and determination formed from experience and adversity.  With a conviction that surpassed his physical strength he firmly addressed the younger and larger Frenchman who had suddenly become silent.

“Leave this man alone.  You embarrass me as Frenchman.  If it were not for the Americans, you would be speaking German right now.  Their fathers, and brothers, and uncles, and grandfathers spilled their American blood on the shores of our country in order to free us from the Germans, and for that you should be thanking this American, not berating him.  You should be grateful for the sacrifices made on your behalf.”

With that he turned to me and shook my hand.  “Thank you.  Please know that you and your people have the eternal gratitude of many French people.  Not everyone understands what America has done for us, but I do.  God bless you.”

I later had the opportunity to tour the American cemetery on the Normandy coast of France that is nestled just above the beaches where thousands of Americans lost their lives in that historic battle on D-Day.  The shoreline is still pock-marked by countless craters created from the shelling that occurred to weaken the entrenched German army.  The contrast between the haggard shores, that still hold many of the damaged bunkers that the Germans had built, stands in stark contrast to the nearby American cemetery that contains row upon row of pristine, white markers to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of others.  It was almost a sacred experience to walk through the grounds and read the names inscribed on each grave, and it left me a changed man.

I have often thought about my time in France, and frequently marvel at the courage and respect that was demonstrated by the little, old Frenchman who stood up for me on that day long ago.  In some ways it is ironic that one of my most profound lessons on American patriotism came from a humble Frenchman.  That experience continues to remind me to show gratitude and appreciation for the freedoms and blessings I enjoy as an American because others have made sacrifices on my behalf.

As we approach the celebration of Independence Day and the birth of our nation, I encourage you to take a moment during the festivities with family and friends to stop and remember the unselfish bravery of those who have sacrificed to secure so many of the liberties we enjoy as Americans.  We can never express enough gratitude for all that we have.  Too often we forget the meaning behind the celebrations of the holiday and take our country for granted.  This 4th of July we have an opportunity to remember.

Happy Independence Day!