By Jeff Wentworth
Guest Commentary

It was 230 years ago on July Fourth that Americans claimed their independence from England, and democracy was born. 

As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s birth, may I remind you that patriotism is more than flying the American flag or donning a red, white and blue shirt.  It is being a good citizen, a good neighbor, and abiding by our government’s laws, even when they may mean no aerial fireworks on  Independence Day.

Because of the extreme drought and the risk of wildfires, the sale and use of aerial fireworks have already been banned in several counties across the state, including Bexar County, which has designated 10 “safe shooting sites.”  They may be found on the county Web site at www.co.bexar.tx.us.  There also are scheduled fireworks displays that you and your family may attend.

Texans may also express their patriotism by doing their part to conserve water during the hot and dry days of summer by obeying the water restrictions that may soon be in place if this summer’s drought continues. 

By doing your part, you are respecting your neighbors and our state, which is a vital part of the democracy that our founding fathers envisioned.

Independence Day is also a good time to reflect on what it means to be an American.  Members of the Continental Army fought for us to have the opportunities and voice that other governments around the world did not allow.  Today, millions of people still do not share the freedoms that make America the country that attracts immigrants from around the world.

It saddens me that there are people all over the world who literally risk their lives to vote, yet millions of Americans stay home on election day if it rains.

I encourage all Texans to become more involved in the democratic process, especially as this year’s presidential election draws near.  The men who signed the Declaration of Independence wanted Americans to have a voice in their government.  If you are not yet registered to vote, you may download a voter registration application online at the Texas Secretary of State’s Web site: www.sos.state.tx.us.

In addition to flying a flag on the Fourth of July, patriotism includes running for public office, voting, working on a political campaign, voicing your beliefs, taking a neighbor to a town hall meeting, performing jury service, writing a letter to the editor, teaching a child the Pledge of Allegiance, reading the Declaration of Independence at a nursing home on the Fourth of July, or sending a box of cookies to a soldier who is willing to die for our freedom.

It also is the sure and certain knowledge that we live in the greatest nation on earth, and to ensure that it continues to exist we must be willing to participate in its governance, respect its laws, care for its citizens, and honor those who fight for her freedom.

Texas State Sen. Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio) represents District 25, which includes part of Bexar County. He can be reached via e-mail at jeff.wentworth@senate. state.tx.us.