Our nation will continue to grow and evolve, thanks to our freedoms

Country built on principles that allow debate, discussion to thrive

Today across America, we celebrate the birth of America’s independence.

On this date 243 years ago, the Continental Congress voted to break free from British rule. That decision didn’t come easily though. The Continental Congress didn’t initially meet with that intent, according to History.com, but instead grew to that point amid conversation and debate.

Afterward, founding father John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, that the nation’s independence would be celebrated “by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival,” marked with pomp and parade, bonfires and illuminations, “from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”

Today, we sometimes lose sight of that feeling of patriotism and pride, as our country struggles over a variety of issues. But the reality is, despite our missteps, we still have much we should be proud of.

After all, it’s not just politics on which we should focus.

It’s the actions that we do for one another every day. The helping hands and support lent in times of need.

It’s the ability to speak freely, to have the choice of supporting a cause or issue — or the ability to not support it.

It’s the fact that we can worship whichever deity we choose, however we choose to worship.

It’s the reality that we have a press that can freely report news and information without government interference.

All of these things and more are reasons that make this country a great one.

Is there strife in America? Yes. There is much work to be done here, and none of these issues will be fixed overnight. In fact, some will continue on long after we are gone.

But part of life involves evolution and growth, none of which happens overnight or easily.

On this Fourth of July, it’s vital to celebrate the fact that we live in a nation that not only allows free debate, but encourages it and fosters it, which in turn allows that evolution and growth to happen. Happy birthday, America. This editorial originally appeared in the Yuma Sun in 2015. Unsigned editorials represent the viewpoint of this newspaper rather than an individual. Columns and letters to the editor represent the viewpoints of the persons writing them and do not necessarily represent the views of the Yuma Sun.