Happy 4th of July!

Small Town, U.S.A. (Photo by Zim)

I hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July! It’s one of my favorite holidays. Whether it’s the flag-lined streets, the abundance of red, white and blue, fireworks or the overall patriotic sentiment, it’s also a good time to think about all those serving overseas and their families, both now and in the past, and to remember that our freedom was far from cheap. Additionally, I think it’s a good time to remember that America was founded not just on those fighting but also on the working class. On the farmers, teachers, truck drivers, factory workers, secretaries, gas station attendants, nurses, etc…. Those that put food on our plates, technology in our hands and bandages on our skinned knees as well as those fighting on the country’s behalf. America is the “Land of the Free” because farmers picked up pitchforks to defend it. The ideals that we defend so adamantly today. This day marks the anniversary of the Second Continental Congress’ adoption of The Declaration of Independence. That document holds some of the famous and well-known words ever written. Words that still resonate in the hearts of all Americans and I hope that as you celebrate today, you feel as lucky as I feel about living in the “Land of the Free.”

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.