Salute: Don't forget what you are celebrating this 4th of July

There will be flags flying and fireworks bursting, but as you enjoy your Fourth of July festivities, don't forget the real reason you have the day off Friday.

Freedom.

During this holiday weekend, we should not just be celebrating the birth of the United States in specific and patriotism in general. We should honor the men who gathered more than 200 years ago to put forth a set of documents and a foundation of government that guaranteed that all men would be free.

And while we are watching the fireworks burst over our heads in an array of beautiful colors, we should remember that generations of American servicemen and women have given their lives to make sure the flag we are honoring Friday continues to wave free and protected.

There is a lot to be grateful for on July 4th -- and we should make sure that we take the time to remember all of it as we enjoy the day off with our families.

This is a nation to be proud of -- now and always. And it is high time that more people took the time to remember not only what has been sacrificed for them, but how lucky they are to be citizens of a nation where freedom and individual rights have been the hallmark of its history.

So, Happy Birthday USA.

Published in Editorials on July 3, 2014 11:00 AM