I have a ritual that I observe every 4th of July. It’s a movie that I watch, one that brings out the patriotism in me and reminds me what this great nation of ours is all about. The movie is called 1776 and is based on the Broadway musical. It tells the story of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and the great men who helped to found our country.

For most people, I daresay, the Independence Day holiday is nothing more than an opportunity to eat, drink and be merry. Hot dogs, beer and apple pie may be in abundance as America takes a break from its travails to relax and enjoy warm weather and sunshine. But what our forefathers did to make it possible for us to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy should never be forgotten.

We have an election coming up in a little less than four months. On what will probably be a cold, gray day in many parts of the country, will we think back to a July day some 232 years ago, when men of courage and valor dared to put at risk their very lives to form a new nation and break away from oppressive government? Or will we choose to elect a president that will return us to that same oppression?

Even though the 4th of July has come and gone, it is not too late to find a copy of 1776 and remind ourselves what the United States is all about. Especially before we make a decision which could forever change what this country stands for.