The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love the parades, fireworks, and barbeques. But in the midst of all the celebrations, I like to take time to appreciate the enormity of what the signers of the Declaration of Independence did. In my experience, the courage to stand up against the prevailing norm is rare. In too many historical instances, “good” people chose to “go along,” and the results of this conformity have never been positive.
So while we’re enjoying those grilled steaks, I hope all of us take a few minutes to appreciate the risks taken by the signers. As I sit here at my computer, writing without fear of retribution, dressed in a way I prefer, pursuing a profession of my choice, married to a man of my own choosing, free to drive my car where I want to go, I stand in awe of the freedoms we enjoy in this country. To our troops who continue to protect those freedoms, thank you.
