On July 4, 1776, 56 men representing thirteen colonies adopted a document declaring independence from Great Britain.  But declaring a thing does not make it so, and for the next seven years farmers and shopkeepers and tradesmen and teachers fought to give substance to their representatives' vision.

"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."  The Declaration's closing paragraph has been signed in the blood, sweat and tears of countless Americans in the 238 years since it was written.  For liberty is like a rose; you can't just plant it and walk away.  It must be tended, lest disease and pests destroy it.

Each time I walk through our dining room I'm reminded of two men who heard their country's call and answered as best they could.  William Stanley Finch (U.S. Navy) and Albert Ray Pettit (U.S. Army) served in World War II.  They did not seek recognition in their lifetimes; the only public display of their service were the flags draped over their caskets.

So, on this Independence Day I'd like to make a declaration of appreciation to my father and father-in-law and to all who have stood quietly but firmly for freedom.  I am in your debt.