Today, the United States of America celebrates its’ Independence.

This is a one of those rare days that offer us an opportunity to reflect on what that means. It is a day that we collectively come together, displaying our collective pride for the Stars and Stripes, the nation, and freedom.

Pride in the Stars and Stripes.

Sometimes we take what we have for granted. I had a reminder of that earlier this year, when I woke up at 5am in Bangkok to learn that the Thai Military declared martial law, and two days later a coup d’etat. Now things are probably safer there since the Thai military’s action, but civil liberties are in some cases being restricted. We don’t have to worry about that in the US.

So, with that in mind, Happy Independence Day!