Today we celebrate the founding of the United States of America through its Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, then ruled by King George III. While many of us will be enjoying this day with cookouts and fireworks, it is important to remember that our Independence and beginning as a nation was marked by war and the death that comes with war. Memorial Day should not be to only day to remember those who serve in our military services who protect our independence.

It is equally important to honor those who assure that our system of representative democracy continues to work so well even 233 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence — the legislative branch made up of the House of Representatives and Senate, the Judiciary with the United States Supreme Court as the ultimate arbiter and the Executive Branch headed by the President of the United States, Barack Obama.  It is this system of checks and balances, while often ridiculed, that assures that no single person or group can threaten our freedom.

Here are some links –

• The Declaration of Independence
• The US Constitution
• The Bill of Rights
• History of the Fourth of July