Independence is a word which describes our ability to be self-sustaining, self-sufficient and self-supporting.  It has long been a part of who we are as Americans.  It doesn’t mean that we are no longer accountable to someone, nor does it refer to doing our own thing even if it hurts someone else.

When America was founded, there was no instant news.  There was a lantern in a bell tower to signal that the British were coming.  There were people enraged by being ruled by a tyrannical king and having to pay taxes without any benefit.  They spoke to one another.  Interesting concept, but I digress.  They sent messages through riders on horseback. They met in community places to discuss their concerns.  They were face- to-face discussing what should be done.

Those who built our country used the sweat of their brow and their backs to cut through hard soil and create fields of grain.  They used ingenuity to carve through mountains and build railroads.  They persevered through drought, dust storms, depressions and difficult times, because this is what they knew was worth it.  They fought in many wars so we could be free.  Many died in the process.  The cost of freedom is more than we can ever repay.

As we celebrate the 250th year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we owe it to her to live up to our own responsibility as citizens.  The minute we depend on others for our living – use the government as our security blanket – turn our lives over to technology – blame the government for everything bad in our society – we’re giving up our independence.  As Americans, we can’t let that happen.

Look instead to what has been at our nation’s core since its beginning – not with resentment or blame, but with hope for a better future.

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AMERICA!