Published: July 03, 2009 10:07 am      

A nation with much to celebrate

Our nation celebrates today.

We observe the signing of the Declaration of Independence 233 years ago.

We think about and pray for our brave men and women at wars today in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We honor our troops who have fought in wars and battles for more than two centuries.

We also celebrate the fruits of their gallant efforts. Because of them:

n You are free to salute the flag.

n You are free to burn the flag.

n You are free to speak your mind.

n You are free to say nothing.

n You are free to spend your money.

n You are free to save your money.

n You are free to invest your money.

n You are free to march in a parade.

n You are free to march in protest.

n You are free to practice your religion.

n You are free to practice no religion.

n You are free to keep reading.

n You are free to turn the page.

n You are free to drive your car.

n You are free to take the bus.

n You are free to vote.

n You are free to not vote.

n You are free to hunt and fish.

n You are free to dislike hunting and fishing.

n You are free to get up early.

n You are free to sleep late.

n You are free to question those in office.

n You are free to run for public office.

n You are free to choose your lifestyle.

n You are free to disagree with someone else’s lifestyle.

n You are free to promote war.

n You are free to promote peace.

n You are free to get an education.

n You are free to learn nothing.

n You are free to smoke (some places).

n You are free to not smoke.

n You are free to know your neighbors.

n You are free to keep your distance.

n You are free to take a vacation.

n You are free to change jobs.

n You are free to paint your house.

n You are free to sell your house.

n You are free to watch a ballgame.

n You are free to watch nothing at all.

n You are free to vote Republican.

n You are free to vote Democrat.

n You are free to vote for neither.

n You are free to boot up.

n You are free to log off.

n You are free to get married.

n You are free to be single.

n You are free to read a book.

n You are free to burn books.

n You are free to own a gun.

n You are free to speak out against guns.

n You are free to dance and sing.

n You are free to sit quietly.

n You are free to fight for your country.

n You are free to let someone else do that.

n You are free to celebrate the past.

n You are free to look toward the future.

You are free.