"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." ~~Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence

The Fourth of July holiday has come to mean parades, family picnics, fireworks, and a day off from work. I hope that everyone takes the time to remember what Independence Day means, about the blood that soaked the soil of this land to give us the freedom that many people in the world still live without.

My favorite 4th of July was when Clay appeared on PBS's Capitol 4th. I was on vacation that year, and I missed Clay singing The Star-Spangled Banner. Thank God for clack. Fortunately I was able to catch Measure of a Man and God Bless the USA. Clay was wonderful that night, and I felt a sense of pride for him and of him. I wonder what went through his mind singing for all those people on the Capitol lawn. The special education teacher Raleigh certainly had come a long way from singing at weddings and his Home Town Connection days.

Video of Performances