As difficult as it is to believe, the year of 2008 is half over! It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the beginning of the year with fireworks and parties. Now we are celebrating another holiday with fireworks - America's Independence Day!
The fourth of July is a special day to every American. It is the day we have carved out of our busy lives to celebrate the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which was written and signed by our founding fathers who knew their important decision would put their lives, and their loved ones, in jeopardy. This document told the world that we, the citizens of the United States of America, would be a nation democratically governed by its citizens.
Since the first celebration in 1776, the meaning of Independence Day has remained the same, but also has come to mean something else. In the beginning, public celebrations of the signing of the document were honored with parades, speeches, and the firing of guns and cannons. We still celebrate in this manner (only these days with fireworks!), but today the Fourth of July is also about celebrating our families, friends and honoring our brave citizens serving in our Armed Forces at home and around the world.
Across our fine state, groups will come together to celebrate the Stars and Stripes, community, family and the United States of America. While you are waving your flag, barbequing in the backyard, or attending a community festival, stop and take a look at the scene around you. Listen for laughter, ohhs and ahhhs, and cheering. Feel the power of the freedom you have to live your life as you choose.
Ask yourself, "Why am I proud to be an American?" and "What does freedom mean to me?" On this, the 232th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, say a silent thank you to those men and women who wanted to live in a country that cherished freedom and independence for all its citizens.
From my family to yours, have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
