Celebrating a place where hope lives

In the summer of 1776, a group of citizens convened to discuss the good governance of their land and communities.

Each group of men had a different type of problem and different concerns but they came together, talked, debated and arrived at a consensus as to what must be done to secure a better future for themselves and their posterity.

A community united is an amazing thing. Together people can accomplish miracles about which individuals can only dream.

As I watch the parades, picnics, and fireworks this Fourth of July, I will see a community where solutions are possible and where hope still lives.

On the Fourth of July, we celebrate not only our independence from England but also all the promise that independence brings, the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the promise of a better future.

On the Fourth of July, we should honor all those who work and volunteer to make this community a better place.

Not only teachers, firefighters, police, and the other obviously visible people, but also the ones we rarely notice. The parents who taught their children good manners, the grandmother who takes her friends out shopping, the people who take the time to make sure things get done and do so much to improve our quality of life.

As a Navy veteran, I also make sure to remember the men and women of our armed forces.

All my heartfelt thanks go out to those who are willing to lay down their lives to protect the freedoms promised in the Declaration of Independence and made into law in the Bill of Rights.

Keith Farnham

Elgin