On July 4, 1776, the founding fathers of the Continental Congress wrote words that challenged the greatest power of the world to take notice. Embodied within the Declaration of Independence, words referred to as inalienable rights - Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness - defined freedom and set the stage for a great struggle against tyranny. The subsequent years, through much loss in life and property, the United States of America won its freedom and shifted its attention to the meaning and application of those words.

Today and this weekend, many will be recognizing this Fourth of July with fun, food, and celebration. We will eat, laugh, play, and watch fireworks reflect off a night's sky from California to Virginia to Massachusetts to Florida to Hawaii. Moreover, countries throughout the world will wish the United States well and will remind the United States more than most, that her position of power is one of great responsibly and service to all the people in the world. And lest we forget, there are those that despise our words of freedom and seek out to destroy their very meaning.

It is amazing to realize the struggle for freedom started with the stroke of a pen. The words drafted emboldened a young country's soul and carried forth courage, bravery, and resilience. The fledgling Continental Congress didn't have much of an army, little ammunition, no navy to speak of, but they had passion, and conviction that this moment they would lay down their lives, honor and property to achieve the resolution of "those words." Great men and women stepped forward and applied hidden talents showing the world what may be achieved if the right words and the right paths were taken.

We are all called today, more than most days, to understand our path, discover our strengths and apply our talents in the pursuit life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all. These words define the American culture, and additional words such as respect, diversity, kindness, justice, and humility provide the structure to build a great society.

As each of us reflects on the events of the July 4, 1776 and awe at the courage that was demonstrated that year and the many years of crisis that we have experienced since, may it inspire you to stake out your path to meaning and purpose. For on that path, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are not just words on an old piece of parchment. Those words are your milestones that will define your life and shape your legacy.

Yes ... those words.

Until Next Friday,