The Juniata River Valley is fortunate to once again Have hosted two fireworks shows for the Fourth of July-one in Lewistown and one in Milroy.

The fireworks capped off other festivities on both days. The annual events are opportunities for families to celebrate — celebrate the birth of our nation and celebrate its commitment to the values and virtues of freedom and opportunity.

We are thankful for the hard work of volunteers and the generous donations of individuals, businesses, and other organizations in making these events happen.

At 250 years, there have been setbacks in realizing the revolutionary idea that every man and every woman is given liberties — given the opportunities to freely chart the course of their lives — by God. But our nation, our society alone, has pioneered these principles. Our nation alone has made these ideals — not a royal family or monolithic culture or failed economic system — the guideposts to how we all should strive to leave the world better, for our children and for all children.

We believe cities and towns across America — including our region — truly rose to commemorate this special occasion.

We celebrate the progress our nation has made, through abolition and suffrage and civil rights to a more perfect union. And as we celebrate, we believe we all can reflect on how that journey toward greater perfection in acknowledging liberty and justice for all can be hastened and strengthened.