It July 2, 2011 and I am sitting here in my nice home, enjoying all the things those who have made the ultimate sacrifice have given me and all of us who live in this the greatest democracy the world has ever known.

I am listen to the young people set off their fireworks and I wonder if they really understand why? Why do you really celebrate this day? Why is the fourth of July such an important day for our nation? These teenagers who are outside my home setting off these fireworks are doing this because they can. But the truth is they are doing this because of those have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

On July the fourth as we did with Memorial Day, there will be backyard barbecues and all sorts of fun. Will any one of us really consider what we are celebrating? There will be ribs and potato salad, and many other culinary delights. We will consume copious amounts of adult beverages. We will spend our time in a family oriented may lay that will not even find a moment to considered what the day is really about.

I am not trying to put a damper on any of the Fourth of July activities. I just think that there should be a moment when we all gather together. Before the meal, before the party when we say thank you. Thank you for allow us to be born in a country with options. Thank you for those who felt compelled to stand up and fight for our way of life.

No matter where you live or how you live, if look at the world, this is still the greatest nation on the planet. The world looks to us for just about everything. So as you do what you do on the fourth, remember it’s not about the department store sales. It’s really not about all the food you will consume.

It’s about the lives that were lost and continue to be lost so that you and I can have a day like the fourth of July.