Take A Moment: Independence Day 2002
Happy Birthday America.
Tomorrow we celebrate the anniversary of America's Independence as an independent nation. It all started out with a group of 56 men, the signers of the Declaration of Independence who with the stroke of their quills sealed their fate and the fate of our nation with Jefferson's famous phrase:
"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."
Those very powerful words have been etched into the mindset of every American. Jefferson's words have given hope to the our ancestors and countless immigrants who have come into this country to make it their home and have fought to maintain our freedom. They give us hope and courage today. 
Freedom is the unique glue that binds every American to one another. Freedom gives us the right to agree or disagree publically without fear of retribution. Freedom allows every person the unique opportunity to achieve their goals without regard to social class, race or religion. America is unique.
Tomorrow is America's birthday. Take a moment to remember everything this country has endured the past year. Yet through our losses, our citizens and leaders have risen to the occasion, and America has survived.
Take a moment from the parades, fireworks, picnics and the commercialism to be thankful to those 56 Signers and countless defenders of your freedom through the years, because today you are a free American.
