Celebrate the gift of freedom

Freedom.

That's what today is all about — it's not about fireworks, parades and barbecues (as much fun as all of that is).

It's about celebrating the freedoms we have as well as those who gave these freedoms to us. The Founding Fathers. Everyone who has ever served in political office. Those who have served in the military as well as their families who gave them the freedom to serve, including local members of the National Guard.

While National Guard members are home from Iraq, many of the community's sons and daughters are still serving in other branches of the military.

Those who have returned home are proving their dedication to the community in a variety of ways. They're helping out in the community, talking to local students and making time for their fellow soldiers.

Or, in the case of a last-minute entry in today's Grand Parade, Guard troops from Bonner and Boundary counties, marching in the Fourth of July parade. Just to say, "thank you" to the community for everything that folks have done for them and to let folks know they're home and want to help out.

Part of being free, they reckon, means helping others when you can and being part of a community in every way.

Take a few moments to honor those folks today, to honor the gift of freedom which they gave us.

It's an ideal we could all aspire to a little more.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.