Pondering Pundit

The Fourth of July is a wonderful time of the year for families to get together for food, fun, fireworks and laughs. However, this day also has a great meaning to these freedoms we enjoy every day. Our independence, our freedom.

On this day, individuals demonstrate their patriotism with red, white and blue and by supporting the activities within their communities. This is how Americans celebrate this holiday. It is the day we set apart to honor the anniversary of the day America declared its independence.

What is the meaning of Independence Day? Do we ever reflect on the hardship and terror that those early Americans must have lived through day after day?

I hope all Americans stop to remember those brave people that stepped up to face the tyranny of Great Britain, to make a difference for the individuals who were living in the new world. Without the bravery and sacrifices those individuals made our country would be a different place.

However, I wonder if those same individuals who laid down their lives, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, if they were able to come to present day America, what their level of disappointment or pride would be in what the nation they started has grown to become.

Things change and I understand that, but at what point are these changes defeating the purpose of the idealism our forefathers set out to accomplish. We live in a much different world than that of 1776 and, as a country, we have come a long way since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Hopefully, as a nation we will continue to grow, learn from our past errors and find better ways to make our forefathers proud of what we have become.

Take the time this Fourth of July holiday to reflect on your America. Think about how you can make your America, your state, your county and your community a better America. Enjoy the local festivities, be safe and stay patriotic.

We the people can make a difference in how the future of this nation unfolds. We the people have the power to dictate how the future of this nation moves forward and we the people have the responsibility to our nation to ensure that America continues to be the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Happy Fourth of July, Cibola.