CNN iReport

One can only imagine the job that was thrown at Thomas Jefferson at the age of 33, to sit down and make a rough draft of The Declaration of Independence.  And then to have it debated and then write the final draft.  A lot of responsibility for such a young man, a Declaration that would shape our country for 233 years.

My favorite quote from Thomas Jefferson to get the true spirit of this young man was; "I like the dreams of the future better than the histories of the past."   As long as we continue to have young men and women with dreams of a better America our country will be fine.

Being born in New England, close to Bristol, Rhode Island where the 4th is celebrated like it was hundreds of years ago, gives you the true feeling of being at the first 4th of July celebrations.  Newport, Rhode Island about a 20 minute drive south of Bristol (pictures 1,3,4) decorates their doors with red, white and blue and a lovely place to be on Independence Day.

I'll be watching the fireworks from my dinning room window this year and will be thankful that I will be enjoying my day in a land that celebrates many years of freedom.

Photos by Marie Sager

Pictures 1,3,4 taken in Newport, Rhode Island

Picture 2 taken in Los Angeles, California