Rich Nugent

It's America's birthday and despite all of the challenges we face as a nation, I feel so very blessed to be an American. Ours is the greatest country on earth, and despite some missteps along the way, it is important to take some time today to think about all that this country stands for and what it has done for all of us. 

It's also a time for me to reflect on our Founding Fathers and the courage and vision that it took to create such a nation. In 1776, America was a country of only 2.5 million people. Yet men like Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and John Adams were willing to risk their lives and their fortunes to stand up to the tyranny of King George and Great Britain.

At that time, Great Britain was the most powerful nation in the world. Imagine the courage it took for these Americans to turn their back on their homeland, and to list in a Declaration of Independence all of the grievances they had against King George. They knew as they met and debated and signed the Declaration that there was no turning back.

Now we as a nation are facing our own unique and seemingly insurmountable problems, but I know that somehow, we will come together in the same spirit of our founding fathers to find the course of action that will lead to a solution.

I was never more proud of my country than during my recent visit to Iraq and Afghanistan. Our freedom would have been taken away long ago if it were not for the sacrifices of our veterans. Every young man and woman serving today deserves our thanks. They understand that they are on the forefront of the war on terror and they are willing and honored to serve.

What does the 4th of July mean to you? Please share your thoughts with me by leaving a comment below.