Knee-high by the Fourth of July!

Independence Hall, Philadelphia

Happy Fourth, everyone!

I was fortunate to have grown up near the "birthplace of our nation", Philadelphia. Our house was a 15 minute drive from what I consider one of the nation's treasures - Valley Forge National Park. I have many fond memories of school field trips to see the historic monuments and learning about our struggle for freedom as a nation. 

National Memorial Arch, Valley Forge

As an adult, I have come to understand that the battle was also one of conscience and the importance of obeying your conscience instead of an unjust authority. That guiding principle runs like life-blood through American history. We are not a perfect nation by any stretch of the imagination - no such thing exists. Our quest for freedom and equality is ripe with stories of cruelty and unfairness alongside stories of generosity and strength. That is part of our humanity, and we will always struggle with these forces. But the important point is that we continue to struggle, acting as our conscience dictates, to live and fight for our ideals as free human beings.

City Hall, Philadelphia

I hope you can enjoy this wonderful day of freedom with your family!

Check out this interesting video which includes a commentary on how the Declaration of Independence inspired others and a dramatic reading of this incredible document.