Guest Commentary

What reasons do you have to celebrate our country’s 250th birthday? What thoughts come to mind thinking about Independence Day – fireworks, hot dogs, picnics, fun gatherings, blind rowboat races, log-rolling, bubble gum contests? Imagine two hundred and fifty candles on a gigantic birthday cake that says Happy Birthday America!

Pondering the semiquincentennial, the following also comes to mind for me.

I think of our democratic republic, governed by the U.S. Constitution, an incredible, enduring document born out of blood, sweat, tears, harsh experiences, perseverance and hopes, wisdom and inte...