Happy 4th of July Weekend - From your CASI Board of Directors

Happy 4th of July to you and your family.  After all, it's a national holiday, a family day and there's usually a great picnic or cookoff somewhere with chili dogs and watermelon.

For our chili family veterans, such as myself and other board members, however, this holiday takes on a different meaning. You see, we had the privilege to serve our country along side men and women who were more than fellow Americans; they were our very good friends.  And while we came back and can be with you here this holiday weekend, many of them did not. So it is in their honor that we share some 4th of July thoughts with you today.  This is a great holiday and it honors our great nation.  Independence Day.  The 4th of July.  This is perhaps, the most celebrated family holiday other than Thanksgiving and Christmas and that's appropriate.  Because the 4th of July is all about our families. Our nation declared its independence in order for our families to live free – not just for one generation - but for future generations.

The 4th of July is truly our Independence Day – a day of celebration, or remembrance and of re-dedication to our country.  We know that you share with us your pride in being an American.  Our country has been criticized for being the richest country in the world. Let us suggest that we are proudly the richest country in the world – rich in our multi-cultural heritage, rich in our traditions, rich in our entrepreneurial spirit, our zest for the unknown and our reach into the future. The American colonies became the United States of America because of  determination,  self-discipline and most of all..... dreams.  Our desire for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is not a coined phrase, but a day-to-day philosophy celebrating free-expression, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and the right to be and remain free.

​It is in this spirit of freedom that the 4th of July should be celebrated.  Our soldiers and sailors are working all over the world to support the vision that became a reality over 200 years ago. They are willing to spend the 4th of July away from their families so that we can be with ours.

So we hope between the chili dogs, the BBQ, the cookoffs, the picnics and the fireworks, each of you will take a few moments to send a prayer of thanks. Thanks to our forefathers for their vision and thanks to our soldier and sailors around the world for their dedication. Happy 4th of July to each of you.  May you continue to celebrate our freedom, in freedom.

Richard Knight - CASI President
Adapted from a speech by LT Ellen Engleman Conners

---