There will be lots of revelry today, accompanied by cookouts, fireworks, friends and family.
And that alone should tell you what July 4th means in this country.
We can have these celebrations without the government's supervision, all the while commemorating our democratic form of government - the world's envy.
People died to found, nurture and protect these freedoms that are so easily taken for granted.
Today, amid hot dogs and idle chatter, remember what got us to this day.
Remember that for all the imperfections this is still a system of government worth fighting for. It is still superior to anything the world has known, despite the naysayers who wish to make you believe otherwise.
Consider the place from which they are creating the discourse a burnt American flag in front of an embassy, a government-sponsored diatribe, a dictatorship in various forms of disrepair, behind a loudspeaker filled with choreographed protest against democracy.
That should tell you all you need to know about the democracy you are privileged to live in. Warts and all, we should be so grateful each day for this good fortune.
We also should be mindful that with this good fortune comes responsibilities. We Americans forget, particularly in presidential election years, that we a united group bound by a common blessing freedom. We need to be more respectful of each other's beliefs, at peace with the fact that we share a common ideal of freedom and democracy.
We need to treasure that more and, frankly, brag about it more.
So do some bragging today about us, the solitary Americans, so blessed to be where we are on the planet. And take time today to remember those who made and continue to make Independence Day possible.
