The 4th of July

I've been thinking a little about the fourth of July.  Being the son of a Marine and the brother of a Navy man, I guess it comes naturally.  The fourth of July is an interesting holiday- it is the one time we can all come together, as a nation.  Distractions that would normally divide us, our political, economical aspirations - the talking heads on radio espousing certain ideologies can all take a backburner to us realizing that we live in a great nation, a nation of opportunity. It's a nation that is free enough to allow us to have those aspirations and allow those ideologues to spew at us. Given enough determination, we have the ability to accomplish anything.
 
If given the opportunity, remember, cherish our servicemen and women, especially those currently deployed.  Remember - they deploy because your politicians sent them, not because they necessarily agree with the deployment.
 
So - my hope on the fourth is that you remember where you live, where this country came from.  Whether the small towns that built this country or the cities that now dominate, may you maintain the hope, take risks, be an American.