This coming weekend Citizens of the United States (including me) celebrate the anniversary of their independence on July Fourth.

This year is the 239^th anniversary of the development of our free nation, and it reminds me of the great sacrifices our forefathers made so that we could have the freedom to choose how we want to live.

These same freedoms allow me to have this blog site to expound on various thoughts and subjects without fear of persecution. As I see news reports of demonstrations and tyranny around the world, I feel privileged to live in a nation that protects individual rights and freedoms and which encourages exploration of new ideas and alternate lifestyles.

But that right and those freedoms come with a responsibility to do all that we can to further the philosophy of our forefathers so that our children and future generations will continue to have the same freedoms and rights that we now enjoy.

Particularly on this momentous holiday, we have the responsibility to do something very important and timely. We can protect and maintain our environment as we celebrate.

The multitude of tiny actions that people do each day to conserve natural resources and their environment may seem small and insignificant if only that one action is considered. But that one thing we do in the interest of conservation, multiplied millions of times by others around the world, can make a substantial difference.

These include recycling and reusing plastic cups and utensils, or by buying 100% biodegradable products. We can also be mindful of littering. Plastic bags and six-pack holders can injure animals that ingest them. And I want to offer a special reminder that illegal or improperly used fireworks are the leading cause of wildfires that can easily destroy fragile ecosystems and end lives.

My wish is for you and your family to enjoy this wonderful summer holiday and to have a safe celebration experience.

I’ll be celebrating the holiday with a special 4-Mile Freedom Run on Saturday and a longer, more challenging run on Sunday.

Next week I’ll return to discuss sinister subjects, but until then:

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!