Independence Day is here, which is the ultimate American holiday celebrating our country’s birth. While we honor the act of signing the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, we also celebrate the courage it took the signers and the freedom fighters that fought the British to make sure the cherished document came to fruition.

And what a document it is.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

Within these first lines of the Declaration is the embodiment of the American experiment, the shining example of democracy and self-government to the world. We live in a country where if we do not like what the government is doing or the direction it is going, we maintain the "right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government."

Unlike much of the tumultuous world, we do not alter or abolish the government through armed uprising or violence; we do not impose political solutions with bloodshed and carnage. We make political and governmental change through the ballot box and elections. Democracy is the only way to ensure prosperity and freedom.

For many of us, July 4th is less about history and a reflection on the foundation of American democracy, and instead is a time to get together with family and friends, fire up the barbeque and maybe go see some fireworks. There is nothing wrong with that—a celebration is a celebration after all.

Yet, for hundreds of Alabama families, this July 4th will not be celebrated with all of their loved ones. These families have a husband or a wife, a child or sibling, serving overseas in the military, defending the very freedoms we celebrate on Independence Day. It is their courage that we should also be celebrating on this 4th, just like those of the founders.

More Alabama households have family members in the military than most states, because our state responds to the call of duty at a rate few can match.

Alabama ranks first in the nation for the rate at which our young people join the Army. For every 1,000 youths, Alabama has a rate of 2.53 signing up. More than 1,600 joined last year alone. The state recruitment rate stands in stark contrast with our neighboring states: Tennessee’s rate is at 1.86 and Mississippi at 1.57.

This pattern of patriotism and service continues with the National Guard. As our country has fought two wars, the Alabama National Guard has been an integral part of the war effort. Our state ranks fifth in numbers of troops deployed to the Middle East and Afghanistan, surpassed only by Texas, North Carolina, California, and Tennessee.

Approximately 10,000 Alabamians have been deployed during the conflicts of this decade, into war zones and other parts of the world. Alabama continues to have one of the largest guard forces in the nation.

And recently, the Alabama Guard made history with the promotion of its first woman general, Selma native Brig. Gen. Sheryl Gordon, who took over command of one of the largest major commands in the state.

So this Independence Day, enjoy the fireworks and some quality time with family. Maybe even read the Declaration of Independence and think about how wondrous and miraculous the American experiment has been.

Then, take a few moments to say a prayer for those Alabamians who are defending our country across the globe, and for their families who are right here waiting for their safe return.