We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States
On this day, July Fourth, we Citizens and Residents of the United States of America, celebrate a Great Nation's birthday. America is not great because of the institution of government, but the the citizen society of the individuals. A nation of people of all walks of life, races, cultures, coming together to make this experiment in history continue.
What makes American history as great as it is, ARE the flaws of its history that should and always be remembered. A country separated by race, that goes to Europe to fight on behalf of a threatened race and way of life. A country of "cowboys" who live the law of the Wild West, who form a Marine force that is committed to being the champion of the little guy. A society, that roots for the underdog, regardless of the challenge; Civil Rights, LGBT Rights, Women's Suffrage, Animal Rights, and even the little known politician that dares to rock the boat.
I have learned that America is like the perfect woman... imperfect. What makes us love this country is not that it gets it right every time, but that it strives to get it right, and when it gets it "wrong" it strives remember its history. On this day, there are more civil war reenactments out there than almost any other war. I would like to believe it is because more US troops were lost in the war with ourselves than any other war in our history.
Maybe this is a lesson that we can learn with our own personal lives. What is it that is our tyrant and oppressor in our lives? Is it Fear? Failure? Health? What is it that we should choose to declare ourselves free of? We will notice that our worst moments are often those that we have the internal conflicts instead of the external ones.
I wish you a great Fourth of July Holiday. I wish that you are with your families and friends, and this gives you more than just an opportunity of eating great barbecue, but the time to reflect on the highs and lows of life, and the ability to live in one of the greatest societies in the history of man.
Lastly, I want to thank all the men and women who volunteer everyday to protect our society and way of life. Those that volunteer to Support and defend the Constitution of the United States, without mental defect and reservation, and to protect it from all enemies both foreign and domestic. Those that have spent many Independence Days away from the shores of the USA, and those who will never see those shores again. Those that put on a uniform everyday, and whether it is standing guard, protecting us from drunk drivers, or running into a burning building when everyone is running out, I thank you. I thank you for doing the things that very few would be compelled to do, much less volunteer to do. It is often the few that so impacts the many.
Thank you America.
LD
