Dear Editor: For as long as I can remember, Independence Day has been one of my favorite days to celebrate, but this year especially will stand out as I decorated our float with my kids explaining to them why we celebrate the Fourth of July. They're getting old enough to understand what it took our forefathers to win our freedom and retain it for almost 250 years. How lucky we are to live in the greatest country that's ever existed. It's one of few days throughout the year we're not recognized as right or left, categorized by race, or separated by religion. On this day we're all Americans. Hopefully, someday that unity will last throughout the year. Thank you to the city of Ouray and the people in this area for putting on such a great celebration.