'From Seventeen Seventy-Six' Published June 25, 2010 By Savana N. Vargas 30th Space Wing VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Two hundred and thirty-four years ago, let's drift back into that time, When ordinary citizens were seeking freedom, which was a crime. They sought only simple rights, which we take for granted so much today, They sought the choice to worship God, in their own church, in their own way. But they were headed by the king, for 'ole Great Britain ruled the land, The Americans and their ideas, were quite a threat to all he planned. He labeled them as tyrants, for they were quite against the Crown, His army drew up arms, ordering Americans to lay theirs down. The option to surrender, was not an option in the least, Our forefathers refused, they had no will to see defeat. Their courage and such bravery, their hearts and their desires, Is why we celebrate each year, it's much to be admired. Their fight for independence, their struggle that set us free, Marks a day to be remembered, the most joyous in our history! They gave us ground to stand on, a declaration we'll not forget, The generations that do follow, will forever be in debt. But, while we pay such honor to those who achieved this awesome feat, Never forget to shake the hand of every soldier that you meet. For, the war for independence, a victory so well deserved, Is what our military keeps so precious and preserved. Ask any man in uniform, he'll tell you freedom isn't free, (Then ask him why he joined. It was for you. It was for me). His forefathers instilled in him, a strength that can't be matched, A courage to draw up arms, no matter how often he's dispatched. A warrior - proud and willing, for he's American throughout, He's unafraid to stand alone, he serves without a doubt. He represents our country, he represents you - and also me, He's dressed each day in camouflage - he wears it well, don't you agree? With no complaint to leave his lips, he'll do all that he's been told, He'll protect our precious freedom, his loyalty cannot be sold. So, bear in mind and in your hearts, like clockwork every year, That our independent status wouldn't go on if he weren't here. And on the fourth of each July, when the parades have lined our streets, As you celebrate with family, remember what it means. It's not just about the carnival, the barbeques, or the beer, It's about the ones who sacrificed, who are the reason why we're here. The fireworks that light the sky, are but a symbol in the air, They signify our bragging rights - an independence we still declare. So wave our flag and celebrate, while the Star Spangled Banner leaves your lips, And remember our forefathers, from seventeen seventy-six...