‘Uncle Sam Wants You' to show your

‘Uncle Sam Wants You' to show your

support for our troops at home and overseas

We can all make this year 's Fourth of July — Independence

Day — special. The Department of Defense has invited all Americans to take part in “Operation Tribute to Freedom," a nationwide program of celebrations and activities to demonstrate public appreciation for our men and women in uniform, and reinforce the bond between citizens and the military.

The concept is similar to the 50th anniversary commemorations of World War II (which ran from 1991-1995), and the Korean War (which began in June 2000 and concludes on Veterans Day 2003). But Tribute to Freedom celebrates all of our military personnel serving currently on active and reserve duty.

This is especially important now, as American military personnel are risking their lives so that the rest of us can live in peace and security. We owe these men and women a debt we can never repay, but we can show our active participation and support.

Expressions of appreciation can take many forms, from simply flying the flag to attending a homecoming of our servicemen, to staging a large-scale event. According to the Department of Defense, anyone who participates qualifies as a member of the Tribute to Freedom team.

Participants are urged to sign up on the Tribute to Freedom Web site, found at www.defendamerica.mil, where they can report their activities and print out a personalized certificate of appreciation from Gen. Richard B. Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The names and activities of participants may be posted on the Web site from time to time, but in order to protect privacy, no contact information is requested.

Tribute to Freedom began on Memorial Day and runs through Veterans Day, but organizers hope it will last much longer.