It's the July 4th weekend, typically a time for food, family and fireworks.

But first and foremost, the focus should also be on freedom.

We are afraid that too few take enough time to remember the deeper meaning of Independence Day.

On July 4, 1776, after a month of debate, intense negotiation, and some brilliant writing for the ages, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

The names of those men are familiar to us: Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Hancock.

From here in South Carolina: Rutledge, Heyward, Lynch and Middleton.

The stand they took was brave, but treasonous.

They adopted a resolution that cut ties with England and the king.

War followed, fought on our homeland. Blood was shed for independence.

Now, 232 years later, the words of Jefferson and company ring just as true.

We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal
that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights
that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

We believe those words are still worth celebrating this weekend.

Take time to remember the bravery and the sacrifice all for our freedom.