Independence Day is the most important holiday in the United States - our one true national holiday. And, at the height of summer it is a great day for celebrations - parades and picnics, flag-waving and fireworks. Unfortunately it has also become a day for political rhetoric, nationalistic chauvinism, and outright prejudice. There are more drunken altercations and accidents than on other holidays.

The Declaration of Independence (the catalyst for our celebration) is one of the classic documents of human rights; up there with the English Bill of Rights, and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Of the Citizen. It has been a model for modern 'declarations' in many nations around the world. Our Declaration of Independence was meant to be a document for all people, not just the wealthy, powerful, or intelligent.

Somewhere along the way we seem to have forgotten this intention. I am an avid newspaper reader, but on the Fourth of July I refuse to watch television news or read the daily paper. The reporting of political speeches and pious religious posturing irritate me and simply spoil my day.

The Fourth of July for me is one of the high holy days of my secular faith. It reminds me to keep my faith in freedom. It also gives me the inspiration to work toward the common good. I am always reminded that the ideal it inspired of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" is directed toward all people as a community and not just toward the selfish desires of any one individual.

So I encourage you to celebrate this Fourth of July with a hope for freedom and happiness to be the benefits of our nation, and of the world.

For the ideals live only as we envision them and embody them in our lives.

Have a great 'Fourth' and a wonderful summer!

Rev. Bruce E. Kennedy, Senior Minister
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Sonoma County,
Santa Rosa, California