A happy Fourth of July to all of our readers here in Our Town Tustin.

I sometimes wonder what our founding fathers would think if they had a crystal ball available to look into the future. Would they have signed the Declaration of Independence? Would they set their new country on an irreversible path? Would they have misgivings about what the  country would become? I believe they would have signed and congratulated themselves on a future job well done. For all of our problems, political and fiscal, we continue to be the strongest nation in the world. Our patriotism is second to none. Other nations continue to look at us as the cradle of freedom, democracy and hope for the entire world.

I am sure the founding fathers did not see it that way originally.

At a time when the English were exerting their influence throughout the world through fear and intimidation, the fledgling colonies were high on their list of “must keep” territories. They had a strong presence in the Americas and intended to keep their prize and her subjects subjugated to the Empire. In spite of that, fifty-six men committed treason and signed the Declaration of Independence setting forth the reasons for Revolution and stating, in author Thomas Jefferson’s words, “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…”

Contrary to popular belief, none of the signatories were executed or imprisoned for signing the Declaration. However, many went on to fight in the Revolutionary War and all were instrumental in securing the basis for the government we enjoy today.

So, when you are out barbequing the hamburgers & hot dogs and enjoying the fireworks tonight at Tustin High School, take a moment to remember these men who believed so strongly in the formation of our country, they were willing to sacrifice their lives if necessary, for what we enjoy today.