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| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | July 2016 | 3 Where does the time go? It seems like we only recently posted our 2016 calendars, and now we find ourselves halfway through the year already! Summer is officially upon us and replete with all the accompanying activities. Some of us may have retreated to cooler climates, some have stayed here to entertain visiting family and friends. Some may travel to distant places, while others simply opt to relax here "on campus." But regardless of how we may choose to occupy our time, we are all free to do so. "My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!" ~Thomas Jefferson. He was speaking about our freedom. Yes, freedom… such a simple word yet so profound! And, depending on your personal history, it has different connotations. But perhaps the most significant meaning is what we celebrate on the 4th of July. This is the month that we celebrate our nation's independence. And, unlike most other countries, the United States is one of the very few that actually has a known birthday. July 4th is therefore important to all of us as we celebrate our freedoms on this special day. We acknowledge the sacrifices and bravery of our founders who showed incredible courage to establish these United States. Likewise, we should also appreciate the generations of our ancestors who have kept the torch of freedom burning. In all 50 states, this day is celebrated with great pomp and show with a number of events being organized to showcase the culture and the traditions of the country. People involve themselves in a number of activities like parades, concerts, fairs, public events, gatherings and lots more. So, we busy ourselves with making preparations to celebrate on July 4th, and your Four Seasons community is certainly no exception. Thanks to the efforts of our wonderful volunteers, a very special, county fair style celebration is in store for us. Planned activities include a golf cart parade, pie baking contest, entertainment and much more! We hope you plan to join your fellow neighbors and participate in this event. But as we celebrate, let's please remember what this day is all about. Thomas Paine once said, "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." This Independence Day, take a step back and cherish your life and the country you live in while appreciating the sacrifices people made to give us independence. Let their sacrifice not go in vain. Let us commit to work hard towards making America a better nation each day. That may seem like a daunting task, but we can start right here in our own little community of Four Seasons. "By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall." ~ John Dickinson. George Bernard Shaw is quoted as saying, "Liberty means responsibility." On this special day, let us make a promise to take our nation and our community on the path of prosperity so that we may all live happy and fulfilling lives. Happy Independence Day to all! Message From the Board of Directors Sincerely, and on behalf of your Board, Tony, Greg, Ken, Jim, Don, & Gene Russ Brown, Vice President Happy Fourth of July!