Freedom is not free. By now, most Americans should be able to recognize this simple truth.

The Fourth of July is a time for all of us to come together and celebrate the great country in which we live, and it’s a great opportunity to honor those men and women who made it possible.

We live in a polarizing time in American history. Whether it be politics, economics, race or beliefs, we all are different. Each and every person in this country has a different story, varying beliefs and unique perspective. We could all draw lines in the sand and be divided, but instead we use this to make us stronger. No matter where we fall along party lines, beliefs, race or any other division, we are all Americans. The Fourth of July is a time for us all to celebrate the one thing each and every one of us has in common.

Brave men and women have fought for centuries to defend our freedoms that often are taken for granted in this country, and their sacrifices should not be lost in our celebration.

Take some time on Independence Day to think about how much freedom is truly worth.

Then, let’s thank those who worked to achieve it.