The Fourth of July is a joyous time to celebrate our freedoms, show our pride in our country and remember the declaration proclaimed more than two centuries ago that started it all.

A tired and restless Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia voted on July 2, 1776, to approve a resolution of independence. Two days later, the official Declaration of Independence was adopted and the famous words written by Thomas Jefferson were read aloud to the public:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

With brave voices, our Founding Fathers risked their lives and those of their families and friends to stand up against injustice and tyranny. Their actions would change the world.

To commemorate this courageous act of liberty, we celebrate Independence Day each July 4.

As southwest Michigan families join with their communities to honor America, I encourage everyone to make this Fourth of July a safe one.

While celebrating at parades or gathering together with friends and family for a picnic, please keep summer safety tips in mind, such as being safe around fireworks, using sunscreen (especially on young kids) and drinking plenty of water.

For those who like fireworks, here is a listing of some local displays: June 30 at dusk at Russom Park in Dowagiac, July 1 at 10:30 p.m. at Diamond Lake in Cassopolis, July 3 at dusk at Painter, Juno and Christiana lakes in Edwardsburg, July 3 at dusk at the Apple Festival Fairgrounds in Niles, July 4 at 10 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, July 4 at dusk at Berrien Springs Middle School, and July 4 at dusk over Lake of the Woods in Decatur.

As we gather together with friends and family to celebrate, let us also remember the founding ideals behind this holiday: the principles of liberty and self-determination. They were at the heart of our independence, have shaped our representative form of limited government and will guide the decisions of future generations.

I hope you all have a fun and safe Independence Day, and may God continue to bless America.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents southwest Michigan.