Please remember cost of freedom this Fourth Published July 4, 2006 By Col. Steve Arquiette 60th AMW commander TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- It is hard to believe Independence Day is already here! Two hundred and thirty years ago, several innovative and brave men declared the colonies' independence from England and fought and won a war which gained our freedom. From that day on, Americans have had rights few other people outside this country enjoy. Today we are again at war, helping other countries enjoy the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. It has not been an easy journey. Many have given their lives to establish and protect freedom in our world. Many key milestones have passed so far: the capture of Saddam Hussein, the first democratic vote in Iraq, the recent death of the terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi — each of these are vital steps as we push to establish democracies and overall stability in Southwest Asia. However, much like our road to freedom, it has not come without a cost. The loss of lives along the way, more than 2,500 fallen service men and women, remind us of the cost of freedom. Please take some time to remember these heroes as we celebrate our independence this week. Many of our co-workers and family members will spend this holiday hard at work in Iraq, in Afghanistan or here at home supporting the Global War on Terrorism. Whether they are riding in convoys, working as a C-5 loadmaster or Crew Chief, refueling strike packages with a KC-10, treating the wounded in the Combat Aeromedical Staging Facility in Balad, or setting up communications support, everyone is playing an important role in assuring others can enjoy the same lifestyle we do. We are all taking our turn supporting the Global War on Terrorism by deploying, acting as a single parent while your spouse is away or picking up the slack at home station when one of your co-workers deploy. This holiday I salute you for your hard work! Thank you for what you do everyday! We must also remember to stay safe through the holiday weekend. Going to the lake or the neighborhood barbecues are great ways to celebrate Independence Day, but celebrating safely is key! If you choose to drink alcohol, don't drive, go swimming or engage in other risky activity where alcohol can impede your judgment. If you decide to use fireworks, please do so with caution and always be present to supervise children handling fireworks. Too many people seriously hurt themselves because they do not use safety equipment like protective glasses and gloves while having fun with firecrackers. Use common sense and we should all return refreshed and safe to continue fighting for freedom! BE PROUD. BE SAFE.