Happy Independence Day - Fireworks and Freedom

I am a serious, unrepentant fireworks fan and I tend to look forward to the Fourth of July for the fireworks. But, July 4th is more than a holiday celebrated with fun, food, friends, family, and fireworks. It is a celebration of the founding of the United States of America. I'd like to take a moment today to remember the events that created this annual celebration and to point out the remarks made by President George W. Bush as he and we commemorate this day, its historical importance, and its profound impact for the future of all humanity.

The United States may vacillate between focusing on internal or external politics and policies, but we are truly a leading and exemplary citizen of the world. Our Independence Day gives hope to people who lack basic freedoms. You'll want to take a look at Robert Longley's History of the Declaration of Independence. It's a concise view and timeline of the events leading to the celebration we hold today. It starts with, "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." -- The Declaration of Independence.

In his Independence Day message to the American people, President George W. Bush said:

"It was the desire for freedom that inspired our Founding Fathers, and it is the belief in the universality of freedom that guides our Nation. On this occasion, we pay special tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces, both past and present, who have answered freedom's call and defended the values that make America the greatest country on earth."

With all of this in mind, I wish you a happy July 4th weekend. Never forget, however, the importance of Independence Day in our history as a nation, the importance of Independence Day to our future as a nation, and the importance of Independence Day in providing hope to the non-free world.

And, yup, I like having the day off from work, too. Oh, and did I mention fireworks - and parades and grilling?

_{Image © Michael Smith}

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