Fifty years of heritage (edition 16) Published July 11, 2011 By Eric M. White 910 AW/PA YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Each week in 2011, the 910th AW/PA office will republish a historic article or highlight from the archive along with a brief commentary. In the case of articles, we will publish exact copies of the originals, so any grammatical or typographical errors are intentional reproductions. Article 16: Remembering liberty Like every annual holiday, the spectacle of our Fourth of July festivities risks overshadowing or dampening the true spirit of such a momentous occasion in the United States. It's easy to experience the flash and boom of fireworks, but forget the flash and boom of the muskets and cannons that bought us this reason to celebrate. It's easy to enjoy the flavors of Summer picnics but forget the blood that purchased our prosperity. Now that the fireworks have faded into smoke and ash, family and friends have returned home and marching bands have stowed their instruments, we have to wait another year for our annual celebration of freedom. Yet we are reminded that one day's fanfare, no matter how grand, is insufficient to honor all those who have served, those who have paid the ultimate price that we might live freely. We who are free must honor them every day with remembrance and gratitude for the liberty we share. A few weeks before the Fourth of July in 1969, the Nine Ten Flyer posted an editorial reflecting the heart of our annual celebration of liberty. Perhaps now, as then, we need occasional reminders of both the cost and value of freedom. From the June, 1969, Nine Ten Flyer INDEPENDENCE DAY "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." These words are emblazoned on the Liberty Bell which pealed forth the glorious news July 4th, 1776, when our Declaration of Independence was born. During reflections as we celebrate this year let us remember that the Declaration f independence is a living document which still challenges us and guides us as much on every day of the year as it does on our 4th of July holiday. There was a time in America when we celebrated the Fourth with a ready barrage of firecrackers, brass bands and orators from flag draped stands. To many people today, waving the American flag may seem old fashioned and provincial, and it may be unlawful to blow oneself up with fireworks, but there is no more beautiful sight to light one's spirit than the American flag flying free. Declaration Day has always been our nation's greatest holiday and many of us will head for the mountain or shore for a little fun and relaxation. Enjoy yourself but don't let that fun outstrip the remembrance of what the celebration is all about. There is room both for rededication of the principles set forth in the Declaration and for the festivity. As you go about your festivities, remember there still are seen and unseen enemies trying to undermine all the principles and sacrifices that have made America the greatest country on earth. As it happened all too often in the past, America's finest youth are fighting and dying on foreign soil. Now indeed, we may well again... "With a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence"....appeal to the supreme judge of the world for the rectitude of our own intentions," as did the signers of the Declaration of Independence. AFPS