We’re proud of our good, free country
It was 232 years ago today that 56 representatives of England's 13 American colonies signed a manifesto that Thomas Jefferson had drafted between June 11 and June 28, 1776. It was an act of rebellion against the king, but a necessary one, and while the nation that was born that day has had plenty of valleys as well as peaks (it hasn't been in its finest form these last few years), we still love it dearly and believe there's no other country we'd rather live in.
Our United States are diverse, welcoming and respectful of differences, and that devotion to individual liberty should never be taken away. Freedom is a complicated concept, since maintaining civility sometimes requires people to discipline their own sense of "I can do what I want" so it doesn't impinge on others' freedom, but Americans in general get that and are committed to maintaining a good, free society.
Meanwhile, our area swells in population with visitors during the July 4 week more than any other time of year. Lake Placid is especially booming with tourism, and therefore we hope everyone respects each other's right to have a good time. Whether that means passing bikers slowly, or not biking in the middle of the road, or just giving directions to a stranger who looks lost, we hope everyone is considerate. Small acts of kindness can make a bigger difference in everyday people's lives than you might think.
As we celebrate the anniversary of our nation's Declaration of Independence in this time of international uncertainty, take a moment to take a deep breath and relax. Appreciate what you have. Put your feet up, put some burgers on the barbecue, and enjoy the fireworks. You deserve it. Be safe, and have a blast on the Fourth of July.
