I saw Lee perform when he was in his mid-50s at his 1,800 seat theater in Sevierville, TN. Lee is 83 years old now. The Tennessee theater is now a church. But, Lee still performs — I’m assuming largely on the fame of the song “God Bless the USA.” I see that he’ll be doing shows in Alabama and Nebraska later this month.

The reason Lee has come to my mind right now is because of some of the lyrics in his “signature song.” “And I’m proud to be an American, Where at least I know I’m free, And I won’t forget the men who died, Who gave that right to me.”

Many men, and women, have died in the service of our country. They secured our freedom, and have defended it. Legendary radio man Paul Harvey, now deceased, did a famous broadcast relating to many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

If you’ve never heard it, consider giving it a listen. It’s titled “Freedom Has Never Been Free.” It’s about a 10 minute investment of your time. You can search for it or go to this YouTube link:

The “birth event” we celebrate, as the “birthday” of our United States, is the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The Continental Congress did this on July 4th, 1776.

Many Americans believe that the Declaration was signed on July 4th. But historians generally agree that it was August before most of the 56 men inked their signatures onto the document.

Some years back, I was in Washington, D.C., and stood in line at the National Archives to take a peek at the Declaration of Independence. Together with the Constitution of the United States, it is arguably the most important document in America — aside from the mortgage release document on my home which was issued not all that long ago.

I was awed by personally seeing the Declaration. What a monumental step it was for the colonists to tell Britain’s King George, “It was nice while it lasted, but we now want a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences,” or something like that.

I love Thomas Jefferson’s way with words in the document. Having the unalienable rights of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,” is, in and of itself, a great motto for all of us.

It occurs to me that the feeling of not having those rights may be the reason some people seek divorces in husband-and-wife relationships when things become irreconcilable. I know I like to pursue happiness and don’t want people trying to stop me.

Sometimes when people ask me how I’m doing, I’ll respond, “I’m just trying to live life and liberty and pursue happiness.” Some remind me that it is a pursuit, and not a sure thing. But, I think there can be happiness in the journey, as well as the destination in many aspects of life.

Independence for America was gained through a hard fight. That fight had already been going on well before July 4, 1776. After the war, it wasn’t until 1787 that the Constitution was hammered out and finally adopted in 1789.

Our government evolved through a painstaking process. It’s a great system that has been the model of many other nations who have gained their independence in the years since the American Revolution.

Dallin H. Oaks, former Utah Supreme Court Justice and law professor, now president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has called the U.S. Constitution our nation’s most important export.

Governments in the world can be described by different characteristics. Our American government has the claim to fame as having the oldest, active, written charter of government in the world.

Iceland, though, has the oldest surviving legislative institution — since 930 AD. Tiny San Marino has the distinction of being the oldest continuous republic. Its government has “been in business” since 301 AD.

There is no doubt though, the American founding fathers established a remarkable set of documents that has influenced governments around the world. Our Bill of Rights has inspired human rights documents in the four corners of the earth. (Where are those corners anyway?)

Be proud to be an American. Celebrate this weekend! Do something memorable.

I’m considering getting our canoe out on the water at Palisade. I’m wondering how people would react if my wife and I dressed up as Indians and paddled out into the lake. The interesting part would be when we start throwing boxes of “pretend tea” into the water while shouting, “No taxation without representation!”

I’m sure my wife would be happy to join me in such an activity — not. She would probably correctly point out that the Boston Tea Party happened in December 1773 — not 1776. And, though the Native American costuming is accurate, the yelling of slogans is not.

The Sons of Liberty maintained strict silence. The sounds which were heard were the axes breaking the 342 chests of tea, along with the splashes as those crates hit the water.

There were a few whoops and grunts. I have to say that the canoe thing still sounds like fun to me.

I’m confident that Sanpeters will find great ways to celebrate the 250th birthday of our country. Several local towns make it easy — parades, games, food, fun and memories. Enjoy! — Merrill