What does Independence Day mean to you? Here's what it means to me....

A few years ago, I was in Philadelphia. I was there to attend a conference held at Drexel University....

I had trouble finding a hotel room for my first night -- every place I called (within my budget) was booked out! Finally, I found a room.... It was in a quaint bed and breakfast, built a couple hundred years ago. I thought, just the introduction to the city where a sense of great history runs in its streets!

Although I only stayed in that B&B for one night (before moving to a place closer to the conference location), it remains in my mind.... I remember what a great feeling, staying in a place like that with the feel of history about it. I imagined who must have stayed there two hundred years ago, and what their lives must have been like. And, another thing I remember is how I had to stoop to make it through the low doorways! (And I'm only about the average male height....)

In all, I stayed two weeks in Philadelphia. In that time, I grew to love it! ESPECIALLY the very historic area, around the Liberty Bell.... The cobblestone pathways, and the historical brick houses which still stand. It's certainly one of my favorite city areas in the United States....

To me, July 4th is about celebrating freedom. The Declaration of Independence was about obtaining freedom. Freedom from British rule and heavy British taxes (I was in Boston just over a year ago, site of the famous Boston Tea Party). Freedom to live the kind of life you want to live. Freedom, for all who rise and accept the challenge.

Because freedom often comes with a price. For me, Philadelphia is a city associated with freedom from slavery for countless individuals. Yet, for many, this freedom wasn't handed to them. They had to run for it, they had to make a dangerous journey to find that freedom.

With every freedom comes challenges, and the victories of freedom come to those who are willing to take on those challenges!

And.... it's no surprise. The same holds true in business.

This trip to Philadelphia I've been referring to happened in 1995. I was back there again in 1998 (but for a shorter period). I can't wait to get back some day and eat another hoagie (that's Philadelphian for a sub sandwich), and make another trip to visit the Liberty Bell....

So, I hope you're having a happy Independence Day! Freedom -- of any kind -- is always worth fighting for.... :)

- Dien Rice