EDITORIAL: Celebrate our American greatness

As we celebrate Independence Day tomorrow, we do so knowing America remains the land of the free and the home of the brave, even in these unsettling times.

From terror attacks at home and abroad to one of the weirdest presidential campaigns we’ve ever seen, there are lots of big issues bearing down on the United States. Our country remains polarized on gun control, we’re still arguing about abortion and Congress isn’t getting much done these days.

There’s a lot to worry about if we choose to be fearful. There’s also so much to celebrate about being Americans. Our Declaration of Independence, penned so long ago on that fateful July 4 in 1776, provides the foundation of democracy that allows us to freely bicker about politics and anything else we choose to oppose or defend. That’s our right as Americans.

That all-important second sentence of the Declaration of Independence remains the essence of all our country stands for:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

We’ll eat our picnic lunches, fire up the barbecue grill and light off fireworks knowing our liberty and freedom still buoy us and make America great. As an added bonus this year, we’ll be able to enjoy the fireworks without as much fear of sparking a fire. (Remember last year when all fireworks were banned?)

Today and every day, let’s all celebrate what’s good about America, the greatest country on earth.

We leave you with a profound quote by President John F. Kennedy that is perhaps more relevant today than it was when he declared it during his inaugural address on Jan. 20, 1961:

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.”