Petty Officer Second Class Michael Monsoor is a true American hero. His mettle is a testament to what it means to be a citizen of the land of the free and the home of the brave. I can think of no better way to celebrate independence than to remember this man.
A video tribute.

Happy birthday, America!
Whatever our persuasions, this is something everyone can agree on. Listen here (requires Realplayer).
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People [...]

July 4th is the day that Americans have set aside to celebrate the several days in the hot summer of 1776 in Philadelphia when a few brave, idealistic, and visionary British colonists set out to craft into words why they were declaring themselves independent from the British Empire. The result of this endeavor was the Declaration of Independence, one of the most unique and powerful statements of individual rights ever crafted in the history of mankind.