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History and patriotism infuse July 4th traditions

All very well in its way, Don, but July 4th and July 24th are two diverse kinds of holidays.

Had the principles associated with the first been honored the second would never have existed.

July 24th accomplished a kind of independence for "Mormons" or a deliverance from the mobs from which the Constitution of the United States should have protected them or relieved them.

The murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith are referred to in this way:

"... their innocent blood on the banner of liberty, and on the magna charta of the United States..."

Doctrine and Covenants, Section 135:7.


Brigham Young referred to the United States as:

..." the nation that has driven you out"..

Doctrine and Covenants 136:34

It is a travesty that Mormons had to leave this "free land" in order to avoid murder, rape, arson, robbery and mobocracy.

By all means be a patriotic American and declare the greatness of founding documents and ideas, but we should at least do so with our eyes open.