Editorial

We live in a country that celebrates its birth and the freedoms of a nation of the people, by the people and for the people with food and fireworks.

No standing armies parade down our streets July 4th displaying the military might of government. Instead our local volunteer firefighters, girl scouts and boy scouts, little leaguers, and veterans step to the music of school bands.

No great speeches by elected officials crowd our day, nor do Americans look to them for the meaning in the Fourth of July. Instead we gather with our families in back yards and in picnic grounds, roast a few hot dogs over a grill, drink a couple of beers and devour corn on the cob and wide slices of ice cold watermelon. We toss a frisbee, play a few innings of softball or simply lounge in a beach chair, with the weather alone dictating our course of action.

We don't have to fill out any forms or get permission. We carry identification only if we're driving and our only legal obligations are to the laws we've established, and common sense. Everything else is ours for the making.

I say all of this at a time when yet another generation of young men and women are risking their lives to protect this Great Experiment. Their sacrifices will help ensure that we all can continue to enjoy the God-given bounty and benefits of its human offerings. To them, and their families, we tip our beer glasses this Fourth, and send a colorful rocket high into the night sky announcing our deepest gratitude.