Happy Independence Day!

When in the course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation.

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.

Our pursuit of happiness includes building a nice marshmallow roasting fire,

Playing with sparklers,

And protecting our faithful companion from the evil loud booming noises.

As you enjoy your holiday, remember to be grateful for our freedoms: to be what we want, wherever we want; to keep old friends and make new ones, here in cyber-space and in real life; and give thanks to those who risked all to secure these rights for us. That is the true spirit of America, my home, the land I love.

Happy Independence Day!