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This devotional address entitled, America,

Three Great Gifts, was given on July 1st of 1979 by L. Tom Perry,

then a member of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Commissioners, committee members, royalty, and this great Mormon youth choir.

You know, I take credit for them.

Robert Bowden was my choir director when I was state president in Boston.

I taught him everything he knows about music.

It's a special thrill to be with you here at this special occasion.

When we contemplate and think about the freedom that we enjoy here in this great nation.

I grew up with very creative parents.

Each holiday that we had in our community had special meaning to us as a family.

At Christmas time, they would teach us about the gift of a Savior.

The Fourth of July, they would teach about the gift of a nation.

On the 24th of July, they would tell us about the great blessing and gift of a heritage.

I'd like to talk about those three great gifts tonight,

but I can't stand under a beautiful American flag

without my pulse beating a little faster,

for I love this great flag of our country.

It has meant a great deal to me in my life.

I guess it comes naturally. For when I was

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