Today I asked my boss and my co-workers what did we celebrate on the 4th of July. Why is it a national holiday? No one knew.

So we had a little civics lesson: July 4, 1776 the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

Then I asked them what was in the Declaration of Independence. What does it say?

Can you believe it? No one knew: All men are created equal. Governments are instituted to secure the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. By consent of the governed. When any government becomes destructive of these ends, it is their duty to alter or abolish it and institute a new government. Not the exact words, but enough to give them the ideas.

They were astonished at the bold, revolutionary, rebellious tone and concepts. I said that is who we are, not sheep led to slaughter, but a people devoted to securing the rights of all men.

I got pretty passionate (as I am wont to do) and they were quite surprised at the lesson. I quoted a good bit and told them they should read up on our earliest history. That's what the Fourth is--not just picnics, beer and fireworks.