As we hunker down here in Virginia Beach, watching trees bend beyond horizontal and sideways rain, it occurs to me that this day, 238 years ago, was a prelude to a hurricane of another order. That day, 56 men signed a document that was sure to bring disharmony to their lives, if not an end to them altogether.

That this country has prevailed through myriad trials, travails and tribulations is a testament to what forethought these men had as they withstood the hurricane winds of despotic rule. Let’s take a moment today to appreciate the freedom wrought by their brave and forward thinking actions.

And pray we don’t denigrate their struggle by giving it all away.

Happy 4th of July from your pal, Al.

If you’re interested, here’s a link to a poem I wrote to commemorate this day, on July 4th 2011: https://thecvillean.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/a-tribute-in-poem-to-our-nations-upcoming-birthday/