"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."  

Independence, Iowa:  It was a cool summer day, just shaking off an early morning rain.   The annual parade wound through town, and the last of the enormous John Deere tractors had rumbled past minutes before.  A Garth Brooks cover band was setting up on the stage.  Pulled pork, corn dog and potato salad vendors swung into action, dispensing lunch in exchange for pre-purchased tickets.  

About twenty people took the stage--librarians, school teachers, real estate agents and civil servants, and the crowd gathered around and grew quiet.  Placing hands on heart, together we listened to the reading of the Declaration of Independence.  

Palpable patriotism.  A reverence for the Constitution.  An oath-taking to our shared contribution and commitment to democracy.  

There was a sense of importance, but then we had no idea how precarious a time we were entering.