Editorial: Free to choose

Independence Day. "It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward for evermore," John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, as this nation was born.

On Monday, fireworks indeed will light the skies. Some communities will have reduced illuminations because of tight budgets, but we mustn't let our economic and political woes reduce our burning desire for independence.

We can let freedom ring in other ways, including musical extravaganzas. That will include the St. Anthony Brass Quintet playing patriotic tunes in Central Park.

This great nation has much to celebrate. Join in with picnics, parades or pageantry, with salutes, sports or silence. The choice — thanks to genuine independence — is yours.

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