Happy Independence Day

"...We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed... We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world... declare that these united colonies, are and of right ought to be free and independent states...And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Here, in part, is what started it all... An idea - a dream - a vision that refused to die. Two hundred and thirty-five years later, we've been through a lot. Still the dream refuses to die. To use the words of our Founding Fathers, thank "Divine Providence" for that!!!

We've weathered wars and internal strife. We've seen acts of incredible bravery and moral corruption. We've seen "heroes proved in liberating strife"; who also gave their lives and sacred honor to preserve this great nation. As a nation, we are not perfect, but we are still the greatest nation on the earth.

With all my heart, I say thank you to those who have done so much to establish and preserve this great nation. With all my soul I echo the cry...