Rather than waste any more time here, go on over to the Chronicles of Rhodster and check out something well worth reading on this Independence Day...

A story about a remarkable experience in the service of our country:

...I was honorably discharged as an E-3 in 1981, which was no great accomplishment. But on this ONE day, I had accomplished something that may have turned out to be my whole reason for having been there in the first place. Most of the people on that boat were near death and the corpsman later said that a few of them would have certainly died within a few days if we hadn't picked them up. I'm certain that we would have passed them right by if I hadn't been scanning the horizon with the big eyes that day and had caught sight of the little white something that turned into a sail, then into a tattered tablecloth and eventually became a little, battered boat...

And some outstanding commentary...

...In the past America has had to defend it's freedom from the possibility of tyranny, and people should know that the 4th of July is not all cheeseburgers, hotdogs and fireworks- it's blood spilled and sacrifices made to protect our freedom. Because of the 4th of July you may convert to the Jewish faith tomorrow if you'd like, or become a Catholic. You can even become a Muslim. You can say awful things about George Bush (and people certainly do, all day long) without having to worry about your family being dragged off in the night by soldiers and you never seeing them again. You can burn an American flag in public and the most you'd get is a ticket for having a bon-fire without a permit. I don't recommend it though, because it's a good way to get your ass kicked by a vet. (I know because I'm the vet)...

And while you're there, be sure and thank Dave for his service to our country. We wouldn't have jack squat without our vets, and we owe them all the gratitude we can muster up.

Happy 4th!