As Memorial Day approaches, I am preparing to travel to Germany for the dedication of a World War II memorial commemorating the deaths of seven B-24 Liberator bomber crew members. Their story reminds us why we celebrate this special day.

The bomber crashed during a combat mission on Feb. 16, 1945, just before the war’s end. The crew’s average age was 22. They were from the 783rd Bomb Squadron, 465th Bomb Group (Heavy), Fifteenth Army Air Force. Read More»

Individually, Americans do not deserve to be subservient to such a fear-mongering, intimidating and powerful agency as the Internal Revenue Service; but collectively, we do. Let’s look at it.

Since the 1791 ratification of our Constitution, until well into the 1920s, federal spending as a percentage of gross domestic product never exceeded 5 percent, except during war. Read More»

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36)

It’s a sad day for both Scouting and for freedom. Indeed, it’s a sad day for America. The century-old Boy Scouts of America (BSA) – created in 1910 to “prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes” – has betrayed its own constituency, mission, oath and law. Read More»

It has long been my belief that the dreams tucked into our hearts are the compass we’re given to find our direction in life. Children know at an early age what they’re called to do. Sadly, too few grow up to follow that calling because life’s demands and sensibilities get in the way.

The key, I have decided, is to grow up brave enough and bold enough to follow our dreams, regardless of how crazy they may seem to others. Strong perseverance and determination will lead to the fulfillment of our passions. Read More»

I’ve written to you before about VBS. I can’t help it. Vacation Bible School is one of my favorite events all year. No, it’s not mentioned in the Bible per se, but what it is, what it gives to children, and what it accomplishes in families is what the message of Jesus and the Bible is all about. Question: will you be sending your children to VBS this summer? I sure hope so.

Most every church in our community will have VBS this summer. Check The Citizen for dates and times that work for you. Read More»

This has nothing to do with Fayette County, religion in Fayette County, churches in Fayette County or the religion section in The Citizen.

It is simply to recount with awe and wonder the month-long vacation God and I took, along with my grandson, in Fernandina Beach, Fla., last month.

Fernandina Beach is on tiny little Amelia Island, just north of Jacksonville and just a stone’s throw south of Cumberland Island, Ga. It truly is paradise. Read More»

I come from a long line of males. If my memory serves me correctly, my dad was the eldest of six brothers complemented by two sisters. My father and mother had two sons. My wife and I brought three sons into the world. It was, with great anticipation, that my wife and I were awaiting the arrival of our first grandchild — a girl! Finally!

On a cold January day, Victoria Sabrina Epps was born and, shortly after her birth, my son brought her to me and placed her in my arms. As I looked at her, smiling and drooling (her, not me), two thoughts came to mind. Read More»

Yep, you guessed it. Haven’t even been a month in retirement, and already I’m bored. Even so, I haven’t stopped learning new things.

Trash pickup is by 7 Tuesday mornings — unless Driver Tim has truck trouble, wife trouble, kid trouble, or just trouble in general. Then trash pickup could be well past 10.

Saturday’s newspaper is not actually thrown on the lawn. The neighbor’s kid kicks it off the sidewalk so he can skateboard. Read More»

This response is directed not to his wife and children but to Mr. Presberg, who holds (appointed) public office and should know better than to expose his “progressive” worldview for Fayette voters to examine.

Mr. Presberg essentially makes three points:

1. How dare any student report such negative information about Sandy Creek High School to a parent?

2. How dare the parent write a letter based on that information to a newspaper?

3. And — most egregiously, in Mr. Presberg’s opinion — how dare this newspaper print such a letter? Read More»

This past week the Tea Party ended up in the national news headlines.

It was reported that hundreds of conservative organizations, particularly Tea Party groups, were targets of unconstitutional scrutiny, delays, or denials for tax-exempt status.

Given the media’s past coverage of the Tea Party, I anticipated that this story would die within a couple of days, because I did not think the media would cover the unconstitutional treatment of Tea Party groups, which they often treat with disdain and antipathy. Read More»