Reflecting on the cost of freedom

Many people are off today, spending time with family, grilling out, hitting up the beach and baseball games, but today is also a day to reflect on what the Fourth of July really stands for.
Not only is it a day we celebrate our country’s birthday and independence, it’s a day we commemorate the freedoms won through sacrifices made by those who have served our country. As it is easy to get caught up in our everyday lives, it can be easy to forget that.
Today News 25 spoke with veterans at the Armed Forces Retirement Home reflecting on the true cost of freedom. Air Force Veteran Bill Hobbs said, “Being separated from your family a lot is a big sacrifice right off and then you know I was lucky I came through without any injuries or anything, but those that lost their lives and were injured and you see them all over. They paid the price for it.”
Navy Veteran Dorris Hopper said, “We celebrate this day for our fellow brothers and sisters who are still fighting for our freedom and we’re just proud to be an American.”
During the American Revolution the 13 colonies declared themselves independent from the rule of Great Britain on July 2nd, 1776. The Declaration of Independence was finally signed and approved by 56 delegates to the Continental Congress July 4th.