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OPINIONS
Francis W. McGuire: Holiday is time for Americans to cherish freedom
The mention of the 4th of July holiday brings thoughts of parades, family gatherings, picnics, sports and fireworks to most of our minds.
It has become a summer highlight since that first celebration some 233 years ago. This year, like any other, will find Americans across the land partaking in community and family functions. Grills will be crammed to capacity with burgers, hot dogs, ribs and corn on the cob.
And when the day is winding down, the heavens will be filled with skyrockets and colorful bursts reminiscent of those viewed by Francis Scott Key during a 25-hour British bombardment of Fort McHenry. It was his experience that day when he gazed through the smoke and saw the Stars and Stripes still proudly waving that prompted him to write our country's national anthem.
As we celebrate the 4th of July, it is my hope that all Americans will remain mindful of how special the day is to our country's storied history. On July 4th, 1776, the 56 signers of The Declaration of Independence were giving notice to the world that they were prepared to sacrifice their all to ensure that future Americans would enjoy the freedoms denied their forbearers.
None of us is untouched by the recent downturn in our economy. It has set jobless rate records. It has cost many people their homes. It has dealt a devastating blow to American business. It has rocked the very foundations of our financial industry. Yet America will persevere as it always has. Americans will step up and face every challenge thrown their way just as they have since that first July 4th. And the reason, to the average American, is so simple, freedom.
We Americans enjoy the greatest freedoms on earth. The right to speak out, the right to own property and the right to defend it and the right to choose our leaders are but a few of those freedoms. There are no other people on this planet who have the rights, privileges and liberties that every American is guaranteed because of the strength of those revolutionaries way back in 1776.
As we participate in this annual birthday party, let's think for a moment not about what we may not have right now, but more importantly what we do have. Cherish your freedom America; it's the rock upon which this country was built.
Francis W. McGuire is the owner of McGuire Realty in Huntington.
