Happy Independence Day!

On this day in 1776 the American people declared themselves independent of King George, a head of state who overreached his authority over the American people. The American people rejected George’s interference in their lives and his view of how America should be run. It was a long hard battle, but the result was a free nation with a constitution that has been the model and envy of the rest of the world. The US Constitution has provided us with the Rule of Law and a balance of power among the three branches of government that is vital to the survival of the United States of America. Many people risked and lost their lives winning and preserving the rights detailed in our constitution. These liberties are symbolized in our flag and other symbols of the USA, but the rights they symbolize are far more important than the symbols themselves.

Let us remember this Fourth of July the sacrifices made by US troops over the history of our nation especially the more than 2,500 soldiers and marines killed and as many as 20,000 wounded in Iraq. Let us remember their families who will have to spend the Fourth of July without these brave men and women.

Americans stood up to King George then and have resisted his authoritarian ideology throughout our history.

Let us remember that and celebrate.