Happy Birthday, America!

It's been two-hundred and twenty nine years since the birth of our nation, and it's still pretty young, as far as countries go. Happy Birthday!

We have much to celebrate. This nation was born into world full of turmoil, yet our founding fathers' vision of freedom is still what defines our people and our country. The Declaration of Independence and later, our Constitution, were considered radical ideas in a world where many monarchies still ruled. The concept of freedom for all people, and not just the wealthy landowners was alien to most except a few philosophers who dared people to think beyond the rigid borders of class and religion. Unfortunately, it would be another hundred years before slavery would be abolished and another hundred more before racial inequities would be challenged.

Here we are, two hundred and twenty nine years later and we are still free. We have so much for which to be thankful. This is still a country in which if you get an education and work hard - you will get ahead. Millions upon millions of immigrants have made their way to our country in search of the American dream, and these include our great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles. And they are still coming! While we may grouse about all that's wrong with our country - many still want a chance at the "Dream."

Happy Birthday, America - land of the Free and home of the Brave! And while you're celebrating the 4th, please give a prayer up for our young men and women who are serving overseas. Also, don't forget to visit the Moving Wall, the Vietnam War Memorial at the stadium! It will be there all week. Additionally, there will be festivities for the kids at Glendale Park tomorrow.