Today we celebrate our Independence Day

It’s the Fourth of July. Our American Independence Day. Today we celebrate our break from British rule, remember our founding fathers and honor the volunteer militias that fought to make it happen. Volunteerism led to independence. Think about it. Would we be celebrating if those men hadn’t volunteered to stand up in protest to protect their neighbors?

The men and women who are serving in our military today are volunteers. Regardless of why they volunteered, they DID volunteer. Volunteerism is a cornerstone of America. Serving in the military is the ultimate form of volunteerism, requiring great personal sacrifice. We’ll gather with our family and friends for a cookout while our servicemembers gather in a mess tent in the middle of a desert. Later, we’ll head out to watch the fireworks. They’ll head out on patrol. We’ll return safe and sound to our homes. If they’re lucky, they’ll return unscathed to their tents.

Today’s military volunteers serve to ensure that we can continue to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They are akin to those that fought 234 years ago. So, as you gather to celebrate your right of self-determination, remember those that are sacrificing their freedom to maintain ours.