Happy Independence Day Message!

Greetings, my brothers and sisters of God's inspirational grace, and I pray each of you is in good health and will defeat Covid-19 and its elusive Delta and Omicron variants. "Happy Independence Day to you!" I completed 26 years in the United States Army from the 75th Airborne Infantry Rangers, 101st Airborne Division, 12th Special Forces Group, 82nd Airborne Infantry Division, 1st Special Forces South, and other units.

On July 4th we celebrated America's 245th Independence Day. I went to Summerfest. The World's Largest Musical Festival held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by the Great Lakes. It was free for all Armed Forces Veterans and five family members. Speaking with people of all races, colors, nationalities, classes, heritages, etc. They were so proud to speak with me, and all said, "Thank you for your service!" I stayed for six hours, then returned home to complete some studies.

I took this picture with a Marine Corps Veteran who said he replaced the 82nd Airborne Division from an outpost in Al-Falluja, Iraq. He was so proud and almost broke my back while hugging me. It was “Semper Fi – Till I?Die!”

Many asked, "What do you do now that you're retired from the army?" I told them I am a Spiritual Book Writer and gave them my cards. They were so happy and promised they would check out my books on Amazon.

Last night I was awakened at 11:45 p.m. from the sounds of the first fireworks blast going off at Milwaukee Summerfest.

I got up and fixed a cup of green tea with antioxidants and a splash of turmeric. Then, I sat on my couch, listened to the fireworks, and smiled. I was thinking about Independence Day and how blessed we are as a nation with the freedom God gave us.

I eventually laid back, put my feet up, and held my cup a particular way so my tea would not spill. I thought about others who are not as fortunate with God's blessings. Whose fault is it? I wondered!

As a child, I sat on my mother's lap in St. Luke's Church every Sunday on the third pew from the front by the aisle. I always loved hearing the choir's splendid voices proceeding in and then out before and after the service. So that's how and where it all started.

My mother taught me the following words, which I memorized, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with the promise. So that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth" (Ephesians 6:1-3). From time to time, she quizzed me about those words and smiled at my answers.

My mother, the revered Justice of the Peace, Dr. Olive M. Bainbridge Spence, taught me how to read, write, interpret, and recite poems in high school. I have never forgotten her teachings and now write to uplift her honor and heritage. I taught about those who were not that blessed, fortunate, or didn't obey their parents and where they are now. I am very thankful for her wise counsel and follow her lead in God's footsteps. She has placed her hands on my head and prayed many times, and I will always thank her. Her picture is on my computer screen, sand on the wall, so I see her smiling face daily.

As a result of her love, poetic teaching, and God's blessings, I am releasing 100 plus poetry awards I have received over the past recent years from worldwide humanity organizations. God's words said, "Go and make disciples of all nations…" (Matthew 28:19). She gave me a big hug and kissed me on the forehead when I left home with those words on her tongue. How could I not listen to her wise words of wisdom and follow the grace of God's blessings?

This is a list of the "Top Twenty One Poetry Awards" received over the past two years:

1)??Premio La Excelencia Mar De Cristal 2021, Poesia 2nd?Edición, Barcelona, Espa?a (December 2021)

2)??Commendation-Congresswoman Gwen Moore, 2021 Veteran's Writing Winner, Wisconsin (October 2021)

3)??Inspiring Leadership Award 2021, Leadership, Human Rights & Peace, Foundation, India (October 2021)

4)?Born To Achieve Living Legend Award Induction, Phoenix World Record Book, India (October 2021)

5)?Cámara Internacional de Escritores & Artistas, Glass Sea Poetry Excellence Award, Spain (August 2021)

6)?Honra Ao Mérito, Delgardo Cultural, Contagem MG, Brazil, South America (August 2021)

7)?Proclamation-Lord of Scotland-Established Titles, Highlands Scotland (August 2021)

8)?Certificate-World Day for International Justice-Rome ICC Statute, Rome (July 2021)

9)?International Parent's Day VIP, Moroccan Flag Global, Amb Laila El Yahiyaou, Morocco ?(June 2021)

10)?Certificate – Condecoracion “Oro Pero.” Poetas Intergalacticos, Ecuador, South America (December 2020)

11)?Diploma-International Cooperation, Promotion, of Peace and Humanity, Balkan (December 2020)

12)?Mahatma Gandhi Social Service Peace Award-Manas Charitable Trust, India (December 2020)

13)?Appreciation Certificate Freedom Salute Against Terrorism War-Department of the Army (October 2020)

14)?Certificate of Honor, HRH Princess Xhulfere, Kingdom of Kutai Mulawarman (July 2020)

15)?Nobel Prize in Literature, World Forum for Peace and Human Rights, Bhutan, Asia (June 2020)

16)?Guardian of World Literature Award, World Parliament of English Literature, India (March 2020)

17)?Ambassador, Human Rights, Diplomacy, & World Peace Award, Indonesia (September 2020)

18)?Ambassador of Goodwill, Arkansas Traveler, Arkansas, USA (July 2020)

19)?Chief Advisor World Parliament of English Literature, India (March 2020)

20)?Certificate of Honor, Prof, Dr. Xhulfere Spahija Princess of Kutai Mulawarman (July 2020)

21)?Diploma 3er Lugar En Microrrelato, Internacional Literara1, Bolivia, (June 2020)

Please have a great Independence Day, and God's richest grace and blessings which surpassed all understanding, rest, and abide with you, your loved ones, household, endeavors, and family members always!

?Sincerely,

Arkansas USA Ambassador, Professor, Dr. Joseph S. Spence?Sr.

Please give me an endorsement for "Independence Day."

Have an great day and God's richest grace and blessings to you, your loved ones, endeavors, career, and family member's always!