Don’t Forget

Now here’s something surprising—an early edition of The Download. Like millions across the country, I’m logging off for a bit to celebrate the Fourth of July!

Whether on water or land, Americans have their own special ways of celebrating the Fourth. Some will hit the water for swimming, or boating – maybe even channeling their inner Beach Boys with a little “Surfin’ USA.” On land, kids with Popsicle-stained smiles will play games on the lawn while older generations gather around the grill—hamburgers sizzling, hot dogs turning, and corn on the cob wrapped in foil. And baked beans? Like a distant cousin, they show up every year—welcomed but mostly ignored.

As the sun sets, blankets are spread and lawn chairs creak open. Everyone settles in, just like they did as kids, waiting for that first crack of light in the sky—reminiscent of childhood evenings long ago. The night sky transforms into a canvas painted with fire, memories, and wonder.

Be Safe

But amid the festivities, a few gentle reminders: stay safe out there. If you’re swimming or boating, keep an eye on little ones near the water. Don’t forget sun protection—slip on a shirt, slap on sunscreen, and seek shade when the heat gets intense. And remember to keep hydrated — with good old water, of course!

And be especially careful when handling fireworks: follow all instructions, keep a safe distance, and never leave kids unattended around them. And there are sparklers—those sneaky little things! I still carry the memory of a rogue spark that shot off my brother’s sparkler and landed on my ankle. That “ouch” forever cooled my enthusiasm for them.

Remember the Cause

It’s easy to celebrate the Fourth with cookouts and fireworks—but behind the festivities is a story that still matters today.

In June 1776, tensions between the American colonies and Britain had reached a breaking point. The Second Continental Congress formed a committee to draft a formal statement declaring independence from England. Thomas Jefferson took the lead in writing what would become the Declaration of Independence. After 86 revisions, the document we know today began to take shape. On July 2, the vote for independence passed. Two days later, on July 4, the Declaration was officially adopted.

Adopting—and later signing—the Declaration was a bold and dangerous act. These men were committing treason against the King of England and risking everything. Some lost their property, their fortunes, even their lives in defense of the cause.

What were they fighting for? The Declaration’s preamble captures it best:

“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.”

American Promise

The ideals declared in 1776 still echo today. The fight for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is ongoing—challenging each generation to rise to the moment.

As the play Hamilton so boldly reminds us:

 “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We fought for these ideals—we shouldn’t settle for less.”
So here’s to a Fourth of July that reminds us why those ideals endure—and why we must work to protect and uphold them every single day.

Wishing you a celebration that’s safe, joyful, and full of meaning

Happy IndependenceDay!

Suzanne

Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]

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