Congressman Phil Gingrey, MD Georgia's 11th district

As we gather with family and friends this Fourth of July to enjoy parades, barbecues, and fireworks displays, let us remember why we celebrate Independence Day. More than 200 years ago today, a brave group of men acted in defiance of a tyrant king and produced one of the most cherished symbols of freedom in history.

"We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately,” Benjamin Franklin said at the signing of the Declaration of Independence. And hang together they did.

Franklin’s advice has served generations of Americans well since then, in war time and in peace time, in boom years and bleak years. We must continue to heed it today. The United States of America remains the greatest country on earth. Despite turmoil overseas and tough economic times at home, Americans have much for which to be thankful.

Today, let us reflect on the ideals upon which we were founded. Let us give thanks for the freedoms that many have died to protect. Let us remember what makes our country great.