Although our school children have been taught over the last 40 years or so that the 4th of July is a "school holiday", much of the time they are not taught the real purpose of the celebration.  Other than just a day off from school and a chance to make noise by setting off fireworks, the real purpose for the merriment goes to the root and heart of the establishment of our country. 

On the 4th of July 1776, the United States of America was born.  It was on this date that We The People officially claimed our independence from Britain and a Democratic Republic was born.  Those brave men and women who have chosen to protect, fight and even die for our republic know the real significance and meaning attached to it.  It is not the "4th of July".  It is Independence Day -- an independence that was and is drenched in the blood of our citizens who were and are willing to die for freedom from tyranny, and to maintain liberty.

Those fighting to preserve the freedom and sovereignty of the United States of America have courageously chosen their sacrifices -- so that the rest of us can live and sleep in the security of knowing that we will wake up to new days filled with new promises for the fulfillment of our lives.  Those troops fighting to keep wars away from the USA are well aware of their importance to the survival of our country.  I applaud, revere and pray for their courage and their lives.

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However, today a darkness is creeping ever steadily and relentlessly over our country.  Now, not only do our troops have to face foreign enemies to our culture, belief in self-determinism and freedom, but they must also face a homegrown hostile press and other anti-liberty groups that have renewed their efforts to denigrate those who have sworn to die for their rights -- the rights of those who would affect said denigration.

For those soldiers reading this, please know that there are many -- many more of us than there are of them.  We support both you and the light of liberty; no matter how it appears to be dimming.  We the people know that no matter how far those bent upon destroying that liberty (either foreign or homegrown) and our country seem to be progressing, one of the basic fires contained within the heart of humankind is the need for the soul to be free.  One way or the other, it will ultimately survive.  We the people know that "freedom is not free".  The words "thank you" are not and can never be enough.  I pray that God continues to bless you.

And to those members of the mainstream press who continue to say they support our troops but, actually fight against our soldiers, I ask a question.  It is a question posed by the presidential character from the movie "Deep Impact" that I feel is highly applicable.  "I know you're just a reporter.  But, you used to be a person.  Right?"

Sher Zieve is an independent columnist