What are you doing this Independence Day, July 4th? Spending time with family and friends? At the beach? Having a cookout? Planning to go see an awesome fireworks display?

Have you paused and thought about the significance of this day?

Do you even remember the courage, resolve and the sacrifice that hangs in the shadows of this day?

It took a great many men to fight for the independence of this this nation, but I want to bring to the forefront one individual in particular; George Washington. In full transparency, I am avid fan of President George Washington and the history that surrounds him.

On this Fourth of July, let’s remember George Washington, not just because he was the first president, but because he was the only president to lead his troops into battle while in office. Can you actually picture any modern president on the front lines, fighting alongside the troops. Not sure about you, but I can’t.

People, books and institutions want to reinvent or erode history and deconstruct great men like President George Washington. Why? …because its not easy to ‘live it out’ in the shadow of exceptionalism. Washington was not perfect, but he demonstrated a dignity and bravery that is sorely lacking in our leaders today, and the lack of such character spills over onto the rest of society. Just look around you.

Oh, and one last thing…yes, we secured our independence back in 1776, but never forget the men and woman of our armed forces, who sustain this freedom every day!

Wishing you and your family a wonderful fourth of July.

Remember…freedom is never free, remember!