It seems fitting and appropriate that Americans reserve one day in the heat of summer to celebrate the freedoms that so many have sacrificed to ensure and defend. For many, it’s a celebration of what America represents, its ideals and its hope for the future, and few of us don’t feel a sense of patriotism when the fireworks explode over a free country.

Around the world, it’s a holiday that has gained international attention as American citizens on all points of the globe take time out to recognize, reflect on and celebrate the freedom that democracy nourishes.

In Baghdad, troops completed street patrols and returned to their unit headquarters for something as American as the flag, a July Fourth barbeque. It was a short respite for citizen soldiers who live in harm’s way to preserve an ideal many of us take for granted.

At Arlington National Cemetery, workers spent the week leading up to the Fourth placing tiny flags on the graves on American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s a silent and eternal reminder to a nation that the price of freedom is not always cheap, and the cost of defending it is sometimes, painfully high.

As families gathered throughout the nation and world to acknowledge what is obvious to those fortunate enough to live in a country of unbelievable promise and unlimited opportunity, it’s important to recognize the ideals and values that have guided this nation, in good times and bad.

Citizens should note the promise of freedom is just that, a promise. It’s an ideal that requires constant attention, vigilant maintenance and unequaled commitment. In order to guarantee our liberty and justice it takes an immense effort to hold true to our ideals and beliefs.

It’s an effort that guarantees the rights we hold so dear to our collective hearts. The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are ideals that don’t grow old as the Fourth comes and goes. It’s a message of hope, and a guarantee of freedom.

It’s a universal guiding light that protects those who express opinions in public debates, ensures due process for every American, and allows us the right to worship and assemble as we please.

Perhaps, these are ideals best appreciated when eating a hot dog or enjoying a slice of apple pie, but they deserve a higher presence in our daily lives. The freedoms we celebrate every Fourth of July are the assurances that provide the quality of our everyday lives, in a country that cherishes freedom and rewards justice.

As another long Fourth of July holiday weekend ends, many of us will carefully fold and pack away the flags that proudly flew for the past few days. We won’t forget freedom or liberty, but our everyday lives will again prevail, and patriotism will take a back seat in most of our collective minds.

But the battle will continue, for the pursuit of freedom, liberty and justice is as important as ever, in all parts of the world and every free corner of our country.