Celebrate Your Freedom – Happy Independence Day

Happy Birthday, USA!

On July 4, 1776 we declared our independence from Great Britain. In that moment, our founding fathers believed that we had to break free and take the future of our country into our own hands. They understood that it was up to us to identify the values that we held dear, make our own rules as a society, and to create a unique form of government compatible with such a vision.

It’s easy to look back on our history and take that for granted. This week we get to celebrate America’s 243rd birthday. But aside from taking time off for a national holiday and watching exciting fireworks displays with our families, do we really think about what it means?

These United States of America

It means that brave men and women were willing to risk their lives to obtain “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Not just for them, but for generations to come. That includes all of us.

We’re living lives that would have been impossible any other way. The rights of free speech, religion, and equality for all – these ideas were all a bold experiment that the world had never seen before. Did we get them right? Not immediately. We had our share of obstacles. Our history was marked by a bloody Civil War and many important movements that have brought progress. And there is still more work to do, but we will find a way.

Have a safe & happy 4th of July! God Bless America!