Happy Independence Day

To the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

To never again being so under the thumb of a monarchy (or a would-be monarchy) that we lose our voices.

To always being able to speak our minds, worship as we see fit (or not worship at all, if that is what we see fit), to be free to assemble. To be free to bear arms. To be free from unreasonable searches, from having to quarter soldiers in our own homes without our consent, to be free to have a speedy trial by a jury of our peers - all of those things that were promises secured some thirteen years after the events we celebrate today, in the Bill of Rights.

To knowing that we have the responsibility to exercise our rights, but also not to abuse them or take them for granted.

And to be grateful for the men who discussed all of the wrongs of an overbearing monarchy, some 235 years ago, and ultimately "signed their lives away" by taking the step of signing a Declaration of Independence.

So that we today have the freedom to grill hamburgers, go to the lake, play ball with our kids, shoot off fireworks, and generally enjoy the good things in life.