IT OCCURS TO ME SUDDENLY on this fine Friday that if liberty were as easy as eating delicious cake, we'd all be jostling each other to be the first in line, with our plates and forks at the ready, and wishing we could do something to get our first slice.

This Independence Day, let's think of Liberty (with a capital "L") as our American cake. We can have it, and we eat it too. Not everyone in the world can say that.

Let's also remember and honor those who make the ultimate sacrifice so we can achieve our fullest potential in the Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.

"Freedom isn't free." See my blog from earlier this week:

http://snipurl.com/july4column

I believe service is one of the distinguishing characteristics of our American society - and the hallmark of every good citizen. 

Happy 4th, OS friends!