.........BORN ON THE 4TH OF JULY.........

"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men (people) are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Those words are some of the most memorable words in American history, learned and recited by students in schools throughout the land. From the pen of patriot Thomas Jefferson, who became the 3rd President of the United States, those words and the document they introduce, set in motion the American Experience of Independence and freedom. 233 years ago today, July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies of a world renowned Empire declared their independence from England and formed the United States of America. Those 13 colonies were forged and formed in emancipation on the bedrocks of freedom, justice, liberty, and opportunity. Through the 19th and 20th centuries the spirit of independence that set our nation in motion continued to evolve and expand as citizens settled further territory north, east, west, and south of the colonies, establishing a union of 50 sovereign states. And the foundational principles inherent in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights,- freedom, justice, liberty, and opportunity, continue to ring out as a clarion call to all Americans summoning us to value our independence. As we celebrate this Independence Day 2009, with parades, picnics, barbeques, and fireworks, let us remember the Spirit of '76, two and a third centuries later, with the concerted dedication and focus of our forebearers and founders. We do that by our individual and mutual commitment to making and maintaining these United States as a freer, more just, liberated, equal opportunity, oriented nation. Our commitment to those foundational principles are as important here and now as ever before, if we are to bring peace and prosperity again to our country and the world. Happy 4th of July. May this national holiday weekend renew our willingness to make the USA all it can and should be for the common good of all our peoples. Happy Independence Day and may God Bless America always.........Father Troy