The Fourth of July marks the day, 242 years ago, that our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence; the day we as a nation rejected the authority of the British crown and set our course toward a free, self-ruled nation.
We hope residents will celebrate that fact either at private gatherings or at the myriad events being held throughout the Brainerd lakes area.
And a celebration it should be. The Declaration of Independence is one of the defining events of our nation, one we've commemorated for almost a quarter of a millennium and, we hope, one we will honor many more millenia to come.
So get out there and enjoy yourself. The only way to get it wrong is to not recognize, even if only briefly, the day for what it is.
A full schedule of events is listed elsewhere in today's paper, but Brainerd's parade will be 4 p.m. and fireworks will be 10:15 p.m.; Crosby's parade will be 11 a.m. and fireworks will be at dusk; and Pequot Lakes' parade is at 11:30 a.m.
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Whichever event you plan to attend, dress for the weather and be wary of dangerous conditions. The National Weather Service in Duluth has forecast a 50 percent chance of rain during the day Wednesday, and some storms could be severe with heavy rain. There's also a 40 percent chance of rain Wednesday night.
"We may get wet, but we will still have a parade, music & fireworks! Bring your umbrella!" Brainerd Community Action posted on its Facebook page.
Even in adverse circumstances, the show must go on. That's the spirit of our country, and in a way a reflection of that famous document signed in 1776 that started the United States on its course as an independent nation.
"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."
Despite the current rhetoric, we believe this famous line from the Declaration of Independence is still the goal of a majority of Americans. We might disagree on how to get there, but it is reflective of our shared values.
Have fun, be safe around fireworks and enjoy this great American holiday.
