July 4, 2013 represents the 46th year in which we have invited folks to reflect on the blessings and responsibilities of liberty. This, however is the first year when the author of these messages for the first 32 years has not been here to create or critique the annual message. Herchiel Sims died on January 10, 2013 at the age of 97. His love of country was unquestionably a defining feature and hallmark of his life.

Winston Churchill said "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never-----in nothing, great or small, large or petty-----never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense." Such was Herchiel Sims' dedication to God and Country and what he believed essential to that dedication. He had a passion for free enterprise and limited government because, as Brigadier General Steve Ritchie has said, "The real mission (for all of us) is to protect and preserve an environment, a climate, a system, a way of life, where people can be free to reach their full potential." Only a free society can seek to achieve that goal. A culture of dependency prevents it.

As the Churchill quote calls us to follow our convictions, Herchiel Sims never gave in to the pressures to abandon or compromise what he believed to be true. The image accompanying the Franklin quote is the stone marking the grave sites of Herchiel and Elizabeth Sims and reflects the faith they shared in God.

Each of the first 32 July 4 Greetings can be found at www.july4greetings.com. On this July 4, we invite you to review the messages of the past and reflect on his life. May each of us understand, as he did, that for opportunity and freedom to be available to all we must eliminate the political and economic prison of an entitlement society and challenge every person to accept the responsibilities that freedom requires, always aware "In God We Trust."

Life is a gift. The way we live our lives is our gift to those who come after.

In appreciation of your friendship,

Bradford L. Sims