Independence

I know this may come across as cliche considering the timing, but today let's not take anything for granted. Friends, this isn't just a day for brews, barbecues and horseshoes. Today is a day to remember how lucky we are to have been born and raised in this nation we call home. The rights and privileges we have as Americans have been earned, fought for, and passed down through our history and from our forefathers. Though we may be a young country in terms of age relative to others, our story and our roots run deep. Today while you're enjoying your beach homes and the right to drink and carry on obnoxiously and speak freely about whatever you wish, please remember that we are among some of the only citizens in the world who enjoy these rights, and we have soldiers and servicemen and women who have fought and continue to fight for these freedoms every day, in conditions we would consider appalling, away from their families, facing danger and risking their lives. Today while we celebrate our long weekend and hopefully the end of all the rainy weather, we need to also celebrate the gift we have been given and that our armed forces live to defend. Today we celebrate freedom. One nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all!