Not just fireworks: Remember the history as annual Independence Day party begins

It is easy to get distracted by those colorful bursts in the sky.

After all, the Fourth of July is one of those holidays that is full of pomp and pageantry.

But even though school is not in session, there is a lesson worth remembering as we mark yet another celebration of the birth of this nation.

Freedom -- and what it means.

Too many people today are willing to hand off their choices and futures to third parties -- and are not willing to do the homework necessary to determine if those third parties should be entrusted with decisions that could affect their futures.

The men and women who fought to make this a free nation so many years ago did so with the goal of making sure this nation's citizenry would never have to bow to the will of a king or queen again, that they would be able to make their own decisions about their laws and their nation.

It is amazing how many people do not know that simple fact about their government.

So this year, take the time to look back at those who fought so the flag could wave.

It is what the Fourth of July should be about.

Published in Editorials on June 28, 2013 10:44 AM