Growing up, the 4th of July meant for me as a Southern girl going to Stone Mountain and watching the laser show that always finished with fireworks, lightning bugs, and patriotic music.  One of my favorites was and always will be Lee Greenwoods “I’m Proud to be an American”.  Over the years the 4th has grown more solumn and humbling as I watched family members and friends head off to a combat zone.  I am so thankful that we are free to choose what we do with our lives, our finances, and our futures because of all the brave men and women who went before us.