Happy 233rd United States of America!
The following was taken from many sources.

This past weekend was one of the best to look forward to throughout the year. For most of the surviving generations these days, 4th of July has evolved to parades, BBQs and lots a beer, laughter and fireworks and honoring America. So before we go celebrate, how about remembering how we got here in the first place:

The Ten Top Reasons To Celebrate America:

10) Read the Declaration of Independence word for word. Did you know that the Thomas Jefferson (now considered the founding father of the Pre Reagan Republican Movement) put a in a clause that allows the American people to alter or abolish an unjust government? Do you know we actually do that?

9) That no matter how much we don’t agree with family or friends about politics,
we respect each other’s points of view, are allowed to argue in public, are not jailed, stoned or executed or disappear late one night never to be heard from again. It’s great to be able to agree to disagree.

In light of some of the things both candidates last year said about what their plans were for the country, maybe it is time for all of us to re-read the US Constitution. An educated population is the greatest fear that tyranny has. Just look at Iran.

7) This country and past generations have given a lot to make America was it is today. What were some of activities that our parents, grandparents or great-grandparents involved in to make their “piece of heaven” better? What kind of “patriotic footprint” will you leave behind?

6) The one thing that has bothered me the most lately is today’s kids lacking any interest in America’s history and what impact it has had on what they take for granted, and they think they are entitled to today. How many of us really know the history of our own hometowns? Let alone our current communities? Take a moment and seek out some interesting historical fact about where you live.
Did you know that Santa Monica Bay was originally going to be “The Port to the World” that is now San Pedro, CA?

5) Another feature that aspired the Founding Fathers was the beauty of this country of ours. The next time you are hiking or camping, think what it would have been like to see this natural scene for the first time like Jedediah Smith or John Fremont or Richard Henry Dana. If you don’t recognize these names, the United States, let alone California, would not be what it is today without their
contributions.

4) Your elected representatives in any level of government are only as good as our continually making sure they understand what we feel are the important issues that need to be addressed. Take a moment to write a letter or email to your elected officials. The top of my list this week is our State legislators.

3) What is the one precious thing in America that we take the most for granted? The power to vote.

2) Next time you are introduced to a veteran of whatever war, or law enforcement member or fireman, be sure to thank them for their contribution to protecting what freedoms and rights we have. Or make a contribution to the USO, veteran’s group, or your local organization that supports families of our fallen heroes. Or get involved in community volunteerism.

1) The Founding Fathers took a huge risk in writing and signing the Declaration of Independence. If the British Army had been better commanded, the American Revolution would have lasted less than a year. The Fathers would have rounded up, jailed, probably tortured, tried and convicted of treason against the Crown.
They would have suffered a similar fate as William Wallace of “Braveheart” fame suffered, which would have been hanging, drawn and quartered, beheaded and their heads would be put on display on the Tower Bridge to serve as a reminder.
How many of us are willing make the ultimate sacrifice for what we believe in?

I hope you had a chance to celebrate with friends, family, community and country!