Two hundred forty six years ago, fifty-six representatives from the thirteen colonies met in the Pennsylvania State house to discuss independence. On July fourth, seventeen seventy-six, they signed the Declaration of Independence. The signers ranged in age from twenty-six to seventy and most were men of means. The wording they finally agreed on still rings true as they gave the reasons for declaring independence, appealed to the Supreme Judge of the World, and pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

The signers of the Declaration of Independence understood what they were pledging—and they did so with an eye to the future—to what future generations of Americans would gain because of their courage. We owe those courageous men a debt of gratitude. We can pay some of that debt by being grateful, involved, invested citizens. Happy Independence Day to all!