Celebrating July 4th

we’re celebrating the nation’s 240th birthday this year — the day that in 1776 – the continental congress officially adopted the declaration of independence. but ideas like liberty – as 47 abc’s julian sadur reports – aren’t taken lightly by those who serve our country. good friends, a good cookout… good beer and definitely fireworks. for many…that’s the fourth of july. 3844 i was always happy to celebrate the fourth of july and to acknowledge that it was our independence and our heritage and it meant freedom 3852 dina parish says she used to ring in the fourth of july and not really think twice about the meaning behind it — her son bradley changed that 2 years ago – when he enlisted in the marine corps. now for parish — mother of a marine corporal serving his second tour of duty in iraq – the holiday has a much deeper meaning. 3858 it brings a whole new perspective to things. it makes you stand a little taller, be a little prouder, things mean much more to you, just the united states and what it stands for 3912 tech sergeant daniel mills in united states airforce — used to view the t holiday as just that — a holiday and nothing else. he believes though that most americans understand what independence day is all about — an understanding that was cemented within him when he earned his wings in 2005. 5358 it really made me focus in on what was important, sacrifice, you know the independence that this country has for a reason, people have fought for that, died for that 5349 mills says for the soldiers who spend the fourth overseas — the holiday is a reminder of what they’re fighting for 5503 you really focus in on the freedoms that we have as a country, you get a lot of excited moments when you do something that you know people would be proud of 5515 or people back home would be proud of 5517 to be clear though — mills and parish don’t discourage people from celebrating the fourth of july with a barbeque — good friends — and fireworks. they say they encourage it because it’s an example of what our freedom allows. all they ask- is that while you’re celebrating your freedom — remember those who secured it in the first place — and those who are still making the sacrifice to keep it secure. julian sadur – 47 abc now it’s not just the military that protect our freedom. that’s why all of us here at 47 abc also want to thank the brave men and women serving in as police — firefighters and e-m-t’s. happy independence day. earlier today in sussex county – thousands