Fireworks. Parties. Parades. These are the top three words that pop into most Americans' minds when thinking about the Fourth of July. However, allow me to ask you a few questions. Do you know the real reason we celebrate July FOurth? Can you correctly verbalize the date (including the year) that we gained our independence as a country? Do you know who we broke away from? Do you know what significant document our nation adopted on that day? Do you understand why the word independence is so important? If you cannot answer these questions correctly, find comfort (and shame) in the fact that one in four Americans cannot give right responses either.

For a small percentage of the population, work remains a priority, despite the barbecues and fun that everyone else seems to have. Independence Day is just another day on the job for these chosen individuals. These people spend their day away from their families and friends. Passing holidays away from home has become habitual for them, and many of these individuals are even situated in different time zones. On holidays especially, their minds race back to their loved ones, and they are instantly reminded why they chose their occupation. These brave individuals are the members of the United States' military.

As the Toby Keith song, "American Soldier" goes, "I will always do my duty, no matter what the price. I've counted up the costs—I know the sacrifice. I don't want to die for you, but if dying's asked of me, I'll bear that cross with honor, 'cause freedom don't come free." These lyrics cannot be more accurate. The day they join the military, these brave civilians selflessly vow to do whatever it takes to defend distant strangers. They swear to protect their new military family at all costs. They pledge to give their all, even if that means making the ultimate sacrifice.

Little by little, these men and women shape the world. They are the lifeguards of our country. The second our nation falls to its knees, these brave individuals rush out and prepare to scoop up the victims and protect the future of our land. They are the reason we have freedom, and they spend every day in service fighting to maintain our human rights and dignity as a nation.

These 1.4 million people go to war to ensure that the other 323,000,000 inhabitants of the United States can sleep peacefully at night without having to worry about being attacked or having their rights violated. These 1.4 million people serve without expecting any recognition, special honors, or rewards. They deserve a large reimbursement for their selflessness, but they seldom receive even a simple thank you.

Therefore, I challenge you to thank the next military man or woman that you encounter for their selfless actions. While you are busy "boozing and barbecuing," these valiant men and women are focused on fighting to maintain ourindependence. We are able to have fireworks, parties, and parades without fear on July Fourth because of the courageous commitment of the 1.4 million people in the United States' military who sacrifice their time to keep our nation strong, just as millions of individuals have done in service before them. Educate yourself on the history of our nation's independence, help our military in any way you can, thank our soldiers, and continue to wave your flags in honor of our nation's heroes. Most importantly, be thankful and proud to be an American!

A special thank you goes out to the 1.4 million men and women serving in the military, as well as past and future soldiers. Without you, our nation would crumble. I am blessed to live in this beautiful nation under your protection.