The Fourth of July is also known as Independence Day.  We usually celebrate the day with parades, picnics, barbecues, family reunions, and there are even some political events in certain places.  The day typically ends with a patriotic display of fireworks. For all intents and purposes, this day represents a fun filled day with family and friends and enjoyable activities and that is a good thing.

However, it is also a remarkably significant day as it marks our birthday as a nation. On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Great Britain and democracy was born.  Our independence was declared by acts of bravery and heroism.  During that time and every year since, we have enjoyed the freedom that our valiant military personnel provided; they continue to serve and allow us to sustain that liberty today. Our gratitude to all of them is immeasurable.

One of our national treasures is The Declaration of Independence.  Excerpts from this principled document include: 

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

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.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. 

 The 4^th of July is also a good day to recite our pledge of allegiance that we hold so near and dear:

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

May we always celebrate our blessing of freedom and reflect on the heritage of our founding fathers who secured this right for us.  We offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for our many blessings and may God continue to bless the United States of America!

We celebrate with you and proudly proclaim “Happy Birthday, America!”

Danny, Allen, Mark,Tommy