World events remind us of July Fourth's importance

Events around the world are giving this year's Fourth of July observance more than a passing glance.

The Fourth of July represents a chance to reflect on this country's struggle for independence. Let's hope that those going on a long three-day weekend to water ski or camp also put Saturday into perspective.

The Declaration of Independence passed by the Second Continental Congress 233 years ago gave the struggling colonies their independence from Great Britain. Much has happened since the first week of July 1776 when the Founding Fathers gathered in Philadelphia.

• The colonists eventually won their war against the British, only to face England again during the War of 1812.

• A great Civil War almost destroyed the country, but President Lincoln vowed to keep the Union together.

• Two World Wars occurred in the 20th century, costing tens of thousands of U.S. servicemen and women their lives.

• The past 59 years also have been tumultuous with the Korean and Vietnam wars and the global wars on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Although many Americans debate the direction in which this country is heading, the basis for the free exchange of ideas can be attributed to those brave actions in 1776.

During the past year, the United States conducted national elections - with civility - that did not produce widespread rioting in the streets like we witnessed for the past two weeks in Iran.

On the contrary, thousands of Americans assembled respectfully on April 15 during the first Tea Party to protest fiscal irresponsibility, and another protest is planned nationwide this week to object to the Congressional spending bills.

We take our freedoms for granted; others are not so fortunate.

Several days ago, the Honduran military ousted its president in a coup because he wanted to seek a change in the constitution to allow him another term.

Thankfully, we don't live under a dictatorship like the citizens of Iran and North Korea and many other countries where one-man rule places a stranglehold on the citizens.

The United States is not perfect, but we have a system in place that gives its citizens a way in which to express their support or outrage in a civilized manner.

We should never lose focus on why we celebrate the Fourth of July and what it has meant to Americans for 233 years.

• This editorial is reprinted from the Lahontan Valley News.