Happy birthday, America

This Friday, July 4, our nation celebrates its 232nd birthday. It’s a prime time to reflect on the many gifts we possess as Americans. It’s an important exercise, as it reminds us to be grateful.

Freedom tops the list. We have freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of choice, freedom of the press... The bottom line is that we, as American citizens, are free to live our lives in the manner in which we see fit, so long as it’s not harmful to others.

In many other countries that’s not the case. Can you imagine what it would be like if you couldn’t express your thoughts openly, or if you couldn’t practice your religion without fear of repercussions? What if you wanted to march in a parade in support of your culture or a special event (say a Saint Patrick’s Day parade, or even a Thanksgiving Day parade)? Or what if you wanted to protest nuclear weapons or animal testing? How would you feel if the government forbade such activities and silenced your voice?

When our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence so many years ago, they laid the groundwork for a government that respects the rights of its people. Subsequent laws and amendments to the Constitution have further guaranteed those rights to those of us who were not included in the original draft. As a result, all men and women, of all races, creeds and religions, are considered equal — free to live their lives in this nation while protected by law.

That statement, however, would be sorely lacking if this nation did not have the wherewithal to back it up. That power, as it always has, comes from our military. For that, we must give eternal thanks to the men and women who willingly offer to serve this nation with the full knowledge that they’re risking their lives to do so. No matter where one stands in regard to the current war in Iraq, there’s no question that each and every American should support the troops.

Certainly their response to the call to duty is respected and appreciated. Their bravery and sense of honor should be recognized by everyone. There’s no better time to do so than on July 4, as we celebrate Independence Day — a day that stands protected by our Armed Forces year after year, so that we can remain free.

Honoring that continued gift of freedom is the best way to celebrate this nation’s birth, so future generations will come to value what we all prize so dearly.