This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. The 4thof July is a welcome patriotic tradition that is free of politics and full of pride and celebrations. Despite situations in our country that still divide us, the holiday we celebrate this weekend remains a potent symbol of a nation that 245 years ago decided--no, demanded--that it could stand on its own, and that its strength was in a united people who yearned for freedom and understood that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This week may we recall the final line of the Declaration of Independence and vow to safeguard it always, as it concludes that “…with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” Happy Independence Day!