Birthdays are a time for celebration. Cakes, cards, balloons, flowers and presents grace the table at many good birthday celebrations. We love to see the joy in a child’s eyes as we give them just the perfect gift! Occasionally we are even able to surprise our elders with a gift or special celebration that they did not expect.

But what about our country? Have we given gifts or tokens of affection to the country that not only permits, but GUARANTEES us our freedom? Do we truly appreciate the opportunities we have been given and remember what being an American is all about, or are we simply grateful for the day off?

Two hundred thirty-two years ago the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. They declared that the Thirteen Colonies in North America were Free and Independent States. The writers of the Declaration that gave us a country believed “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” We should all takes steps every day to show Lady Liberty how proud we are to be her citizens.

This year, let’s give America a great birthday present. Let’s make her better by being better citizens.

We are all inundated with the tasks of everyday life, but there is no doubt a few minutes here or there dedicated to American dreams and ideals will make our country stronger and prouder. It could be something as simple as keeping your yard clean or replacing that tattered old American Flag with a new one. Be kind to your neighbors. Let someone with only two items get in front of you at the grocery store. Help out with the band or cheerleading squad. When you show respect to your community, you show the world that you care about America.

This year brought Americans an unprecedented bid for the White House. For the first time in a long time, all eyes have been watching the primary results, keeping up with the presidential bids of both a woman and an African American. Maybe your gift to America could be your vote in an historic election. Maybe you could encourage your peers, your sons and daughters or parents to vote. Volunteering to help election workers could even be a wonderful gift to America.

Possibly the best gift you can give your America is to be involved with America. Our communities are run by us! We have the power to elect and keep any government officials we choose. If we are unhappy with the state of things, we have the power to vote people we disapprove of out of office. Those who created America handed that to us. We didn’t even have to ask for it.

So let’s show America the love and respect it deserves. Let that be America’s birthday present this year.