July 4th has always been a very special day for me personally, and for all true Americans. It is a day for barbeques, family, fireworks, and of course, patriotism. It is a day to celebrate the freedoms we have as Americans and also to look back proudly over the history of our great nation.

Though we eventually won our freedom, it would continue to be challenged throughout our proud history. The British would invade again in 1812, The Mexican Army challenged us in 1848, and we almost fell apart as a nation during the Civil War. Freedom across the globe was challenged in both World War I and World War II, where the brave men and women of The United States Armed Forces fought across the globe to defend our country right here at home. During the Cold War, when nuclear annihilation was a constant threat, America stood ready to defend our nation against the aggressive communism of the Soviet Union.

And here we are today, still fighting abroad in the Middle East, to ensure freedom under the constant threat of terrorism.
Thankfully, our nation has always stood strong. Patriots such as Pfc. Douglas E. Dickey have put country before self. Marine Pfc. Dickey, from Darke County, was killed in action March 26, 1967 in Vietnam when he fell on an enemy grenade to protect his fellow marines. He was one of three brave Americans from Darke County to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. The House recently passed legislation to name the intersection of State Route 47 and United States Route 127 in his honor.


May God Bless you and your family, those who have served our nation, and may God Bless the United States of America.