Celebrate Independence Day Published July 3, 2007 By Col. Steve Arquiette 60th Air Mobility Wing commander TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- This week we celebrated the 231st anniversary of our nation's birth. Parades of Red, White and Blue accompanied by fireworks celebrations were enjoyed by most of us and our families. Thinking back on that day those many, many years ago, a group of courageous men from different walks of life and from each of the 13 original colonies gathered together in Philadelphia to declare America's independence. This week we celebrated those brave men, the fundamentals this country continues stands for today and those who risk their lives in order to continue its unprecedented journey. Those men dreamed of a new nation founded in freedom and dedicated to great ideals: the rule of law, the inalienable rights of individuals and limited government that serves those whom it governs. To these goals they pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor, and this was not done lightly. With diligence they grappled with such a difficult challenge because they believed in freedom and they knew the liberty and happiness of countless future American lives depended upon their actions. Like the patriots of 1776, the present generation of men and women in our armed forces are among the most courageous of Americans. This team of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines from all different walks of life rises boldly to the defense of our country. The great Americans who wear the uniform also share with the founders a steadfast commitment to promoting freedom and defending the ideals declared in our Constitution. As the more than 800 Team Travis Airmen currently deployed alongside the members of all military branches continue the fight against tyranny and terror, they carry freedom and democracy with them, demonstrating those values to many whose lives have only known brutal oppression, fear and hopelessness. It's often the sense of hopelessness for themselves or their people that attracts individuals to join terror organizations and commit acts of violence, the most recent of which occurred last weekend with the airport attack in Ireland. And unfortunately, given the growing number of failed or failing states around the world, the number of acts of aggression by these disenchanted extremists like Al Qaeda will not diminish any time soon. This threat will continue to drive a great demand for the important mission Team Travis executes. Whether you're Active Duty, in the Reserves or a civilian, it's our calling now to ensure that future generations of America can celebrate the 4th of July and are able to fully enjoy justice and liberty for all. We are making a difference--and it's you, Team Travis members and your families, that are making it happen! I hope everyone enjoyed their day of celebration and relaxation. You deserve it! Please keep our members who are currently deployed overseas as well as their families here locally in your thoughts, prayers and good deeds. BE PROUD! BE SAFE!