While we are focused on celebrating the Fourth of July or Independence Day this week, we as Americans should stop and remember the events that have taken place during the 237 years that our beloved nation has survived, along with the many lives that have been changed and sacrificed.

From the first soldier who fought against the tyranny of English rule to the soldiers who are fighting today to keep Taliban forces from attacking our country, we owe a great deal of gratitude to American soldiers past and present.

America is still the land of the free and home to the brave because so many Americans were willing and are still willing to sacrifice their lives to protect those they left behind. Much blood has been shed to cover the cause of freedom and to keep this great country alive, with the ultimate price being paid with countless American lives.

Just as we all need blood to sustain our bodies, the cause of freedom also demands blood. From the first shot fired for the cause of freedom, ripping into the flesh of an American soldier, until the last battle is fought, that red American blood will continue being required of those who place their lives in harm’s way to protect this nation and its people.

Battle after battle has been fought in the name of freedom. Many more battles will be fought until the time the Prince of Peace brings His eternal kingdom down to earth and ends all wars once and for all.

Until then, the greed and evil mindedness of the wicked will force many men and women, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers to leave behind their homes and families to keep the enemy at bay.

The price of freedom is steep and continues to rise. Weapons were once formed from stone. Now, they are formed by splitting atoms, from taking one life to being able to wipe out entire nations.

From the soldiers who are away from home and to the families of those who never came back, the price you have paid has left the rest of us a debt that we can never pay back. The only payment we can offer is to thank you and honor those who have paid the price for freedom.

May God continue to bless America and may freedom’s light continue to shine brightly.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.