July 1, 2005 - This July 4th Weekend all Americans should take a break from eating, drinking, partying, et cetera, and reflect on those who have made this country great. Take a few minutes to read the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, or maybe read a few Medal of Honor citations. I, personally, consider it civic duty to read those documents a few times a year as well as read about MOH recipients. Take time to thank a Vet, too; I'm sure most of us know at least one.

Americans should also take time this week to think why they believe what they believe. Forget political party affiliation and pledge to keep that affiliation as a secondary reason for stating beliefs or voicing opinion. Emphasize what we think is right, not what we think a political party wants us to think.

July 4th has become the central point of Summer vacations for many Americans. While celebrating our Independence is fine to do, we must take time to reflect on why we are able to celebrate. We must also remember that prosperity is a relatively new period in America. Even though America is 229 years old, it's only during the most recent 60 years that one can say we are a rich and prosperous nation. When we think of those before us who made this nation great, we must also remember the conditions in which they lived and work and the many obstacles that needed to be overcome so that future generations - our generation - can live as we do. Thus, we need to consider how our actions and deeds today will affect the next generation.

As a courtesy to those before us who gave a lot with little personal return, think of their long term investment - their future, which is our present. We must do the same, think not of the initial return - our own short-term self interests - but, rather, our long-term investment.