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On the grand anniversary of the American Independence, the glorious 4th of July, his father being instructed and warned, by an Angel of the Lord, in a vision of the night, burst his chains, threw open his prison doors, and emerged forth from the prison.

So begins the Declaration of Independence, which outlines 29 reasons why America’s young 13 colonies ultimately, and unanimously, agreed to pledge to each other “their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor” in separating themselves from England.

After thousands of Mormon Helping Hands Volunteers rebuilt homes and provided food following a number of devastating hurricanes last year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received a special honor. About this service, Elder Gordon Smith said, "Because we are disciples of Jesus Christ, we endeavor to live and serve as He would have us live and serve. This effort was simply a manifestation of our love of Christ and our commitment to His discipleship."

We don't always recognize when someone is struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide. Sometimes, we may even think the opposite: that everything seems to be going their way.

When it comes to Latter-day Saints and Missouri in the 1830s, thoughts often go to the infamous 1838 extermination order issued by Governor Lilburn W. Boggs. A less familiar but more redeeming story, however, is that Latter-day Saints had friends on the other side of the state. St. Louisans defended Latter-day Saints, and the city played a key role in their later migration to Utah.

LDS composer Blake Gillette created a new song to illustrate the Young Women's theme called "As Daughters of God." The song was performed by the young women from the One Voice Children's Choir at the Draper Utah Temple and by the Mapleton Utah Stake at Heber Valley Camp. About this song, Gillette says, "The Young Women's values continue to be a guiding light in the world of how to live your life and what to aspire to become."

When my wonderful mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer, our family’s fervent prayers for her recovery made me think back on the experience of praying for my own dear mother’s recovery from the same illness fourteen years earlier. When I was twenty-two, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I learned the devastating news while on a Study Abroad at the BYU Jerusalem Center. When I received that call, I was standing at a pay phone on the banks of the Sea of Galilee. I was in the land where the Lord had performed so many miracles, and I knew He could heal my mother. I just needed to have enough faith!

Today, we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrate our pioneer heritage. Stories will be told and heroes will be remembered—the bravery of the Saints at Winter Quarters, the sacrifice of the selfless young men on the banks of the Sweetwater, and the deep relief of Brother Brigham's famous declaration, "This is the right place. Drive on."

Throughout the history of the Church, our leaders have praised America and what its flag represents. Read on for some fun and historical facts you might not have known about this patriotic symbol.