Billy Graham on Honoring America

01:28   •   June 30, 2020

Speaking July 4, 1970, at a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial, Billy Graham urged Americans—especially young people—to “pursue the vision, reach toward the goal, fulfill the American dream.”

Read and watch part of his message.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:17: Honor all men. Fear God. Honor the king.

Today … [we] have come together to honor America on her … birthday.

We are not only here to honor America but we have come as citizens to renew our dedication and allegiance to the principles and institutions that made her great.

The Bible says: Honor the nation. As a Christian, or as a Jew, or as an atheist, we have a responsibility to an America that has always stood for liberty, protection and opportunity.

The men who signed the Declaration of Independence were moved by a magnificent dream. This dream was rooted in a book called the Bible. It proclaimed freedoms which most of the world thought impossible of fulfillment.

The Bible tells us the God has a standard for men and nations and that His standard must be met. It is right and proper to honor our country, to rejoice in her liberties and to sing her praise. But this can be abused when we make it a substitute for God. We honor America but we do not worship her.

We have stood tall in America in most areas, but on this Independence Day I call upon Americans to bend low before God and go to their knees as Washington and Lincoln called us to our knees many years ago. No nation is ever taller than when on its knees. I submit that we can best honor America by rededicating ourselves to God and the American dream.