Each family celebrates different holidays during the course of the year but in our house, the 4th rates right up there with Christmas. I love the festivities – from hometown parades with flags waving by young and old to yummy backyard barbeques with family and friends. Of course, the day must end with the oohs and ahs of fireworks. Freedom is something we must cherish, not take for granted, and pass on to our grandchildren. Today, we see all over the world the efforts to attain freedom and independence just as our country fought for so many years ago. In our nation, a debate rages about war, freedom and democracy but let’s put all that aside today and thank God for our many blessings and celebrate the joy of independence and the freedom given to each citizen in the United States of America. Happy 4th of July!