Almost 242 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was signed by our Founding Fathers.

The United States of America was formed to fight for its freedom from the monarchy and to have liberties.

Freedom isn’t free and the Fourth of July is a way to look back at America’s history and take pride in all of the accomplishments and developments the country has had. From the transcontinental railroad to being the first on the moon, the country has advanced the world.

America is a place where all of our ancestors wanted to be, and they are the reason we are here. The country is a melting pot of cultures that make us our own.

Additionally, this country is great because of the freedoms that are guaranteed here, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion and right to trial by jury. Not all of those rights are guaranteed in other parts of the world.

It’s important to remember how blessed and privileged we are to live in a country like America. And it’s important to celebrate our independence for these reasons.

For celebrations in LaGrange, there is the Sweet Land of Liberty Fourth of July parade in downtown at 10 a.m. The parade will be led by grand marshals Deputy Stephanie Masuoka of the Troup County Sheriff’s Department, Detective Jeremey Jones of the LaGrange Police Department, Deputy Chief Willie Bradfield of the LaGrange Fire Department and Battalion Chief Gene Hogg of the Troup County Fire Department. This year’s theme is Home of the Brave.

The annual Fourth of July fireworks show will be held at Pyne Road Park. Gates open at 10 a.m. and the kid’s play zone will open at 4 p.m. There is a $10 charge per vehicle and the fireworks show will begin at dark.   

We hope everyone has a great Independence Day.