As America celebrated its 200th birthday in 1976, Billy Graham was asked to speak at many events across the country or to provide statements celebrating the bicentennial. During that year, the National Flag Foundation asked Billy Graham to provide a birthday message for a book they were printing. His statement then is as appropriate today as it was 50 years ago:

Most of the nations of history have been governed by good or bad kings and individual leaders – indeed, most of the world today is under some form of dictatorship. Thus, in all of the world’s history, there have been few countries like America. When its democratic principles of self-government under God were announced, it startled the world.

My wish on America’s 200th anniversary is a three-fold one.

First, may the prayers of the past be fulfilled. It was the Christian idea of man which molded our early political institutions.

Said Samuel Adams 200 years ago, “May God grant that the love of liberty, and a zeal to support it enkindle in every town.”

I wish that prayer to be answered.

Second, may the potential of the present be realized.

A critical need today is to invigorate moral leadership. The great political textbook of the patriots was the Bible. From it, we have received the liberating yet unifying influence of Judeo-Christian teachings.

Among Americans who love truth there is the potential to make America like an historic Joseph in the family of nations – leading bewildered brethren to peace and a productive life.

Thirdly, may the promise of the future be secured.

When the ship of state was launched, no final mooring was planned. It was to sail in ever brighter waters.

The Bible shows that the thrust of history, whatever its intermediate victories or defeats, is the culmination of the age in the return of Jesus Christ. He becomes Himself the promise of the future. Faith in Christ makes it possible to secure that promise now.

James Russell Lowell wrote the famous words:

“Once to every man and nation… comes the moment to decide. In the strife of truth and falsehood, for the good or evil side.”

May the Bicentennial celebration be an occasion to precipitate individual and national decisions on identity and destiny, particularly as it relates to the Kingdom of God.