As I write this, it is Independence Day, July 4, 2021. Surfing channels this morning, all I see are schedules for fireworks, 4^th of July sales, picnic supplies and all of the fun things the 4^th of July has come to represent.

Little, if anything, is noted about the real reason we celebrate, the declaration of our nation’s founders that this new country and its 13 colonies would no longer be subject to the rule of England and would, instead, be its own country. That was way back in 1776.

Here is a link to the National Archives and the text of that declaration: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

I encourage each of you to read it and think about what is happening around us today. How many of the reasons stated for declaring independence are issues today? This country has been successful for nearly 250 years because dedicated and concerned citizens have stood up for independence and our nation’s constitution.

Let each one of us stay focused on the true reason for our celebration and stand up for the liberties our founders envisioned so many years ago. It is not an easy task but, probably, the most important one for the safety and security of our children and grand children. As we have heard over and over for years “Freedom Is Not Free”.