Today we embrace the 4th of July as the time honored celebration of our freedom.  Our gatherings at this time are most often spent with family and friends at the beach, backyard barbeques, and watching fireworks light up the night sky.  It is a simple summer holiday, but the depth of it’s meaning has shaped our nation and our lives.  A very moving stanza from the beautiful hymn by Irving Berlin, God Bless America, sings…….”stand beside her and guide her, thru the night with a light from above……..,” is a vivid example of what a priviledge it is to honor and protect our country. As we celebrate this historic day, may we take with us that which is most sacred.   Happy 4th of July and God Bless America!!