2017. This is a special year for the Sims family. It represents the milestone of 50 years during which, on July 4th, we have paused quietly to reflect on the blessings of Liberty and the responsibilities those blessings place on each of us. Through this Greeting and expression of Friendship we hope we have encouraged others to do likewise.

Each year, in some form, we have tried to recall the principles and concepts that the remarkable group of founders of this country articulated and set forth in the formative documents of our government. One such principle is the balance of power among the branches of government. James Madison described it this way "... the government we fought for... (was) one in which the powers of government should be so divided and balanced among the several bodies... that no one could transcend their legal limits without being effectually checked and restrained by the others."

Another example of our principles is the adherence to the Rule of Law. The words of the Constitution are clear and unambiguous. As described by the late Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia, "the Constitution is not a living organism... It's a legal document, and it says what it says and doesn't say what it doesn't say."

We destroy or disregard the Balance of Power or the Rule of Law at our peril. Our responsibility as beneficiaries of the blessings of Liberty requires that we preserve, protect and defend these founding principles.

As we conclude this 50th Greeting, some may ask, "Why have you done this for 50 years?" We do this to pay tribute to all those who have gone before us. And we do it that we may assume the responsibilities that come with these wonderful blessings of Freedom and Liberty.