Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July...a day early!  Just like most holidays these days there's a lot of commercialization involved in our celebrations.  But, what's the day really about?  Our independence...our freedom!  And I can't help but think of those two words when I hear about all the conflict around the world...in Egypt, in Syria, etc.  There are so many people fighting for their freedoms, their civil liberties...which we have here, but I think many of us take it for granted.  Most of us were born in this country and our freedoms were just a given, but for others the same age as us (whatever that may be) they are fighting to have the same freedoms that most of us have had since we were born....driving a car, voting, etc.  So, as you sit down at your picnics/BBQs and get ready to watch the fireworks, think about the freedom this country provides us everyday and how lucky we truly are.  Forgot about all the politics and pundits and the latest government regulations that you feel restrict your life in same way, and think about those fighting just to have their voices heard in countries around the world.  Think about their struggles, their restrictions, and their government regulations or dictatorships.  We have an amazing country and we're blessed to live in the United States of America!