We recognized Canada Day; we would be remiss to not recognize our very own Fourth of July.

We associate the 4th of July with parades, barbeques, and fireworks, but let’s take a few moments today to reflect on The Declaration of Independence.  Read the Declaration of Independence on the National Archives web site.

The Declaration of Independence closes with these words:

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Indeed, several signers suffered for the cause of independence.

It surprised me to hear a man from Eritrea and a man from Pakistan say that they had memorized the Declaration of Independence in their home countries.

The Declaration of Independence is housed at the National Archives in Washington, DC. I was privileged to see the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights arise from out of their vaults prior to visitor hours.

What about you?  How are you going to celebrate the 4th of July?  I’m going to take advantage of the movie theater discount to see Man of Steel: you know, “Truth, Justice, and the American Way.”