Recently I had the privilege of worshipping at Carteret United Methodist Church in Beaufort, South Carolina.  As is this church’s custom the Associate Pastor read the names of the fallen soldiers from Beaufort that week.  As the congregation stood I listened to the names of each individual that had made the ultimate sacrifice.  I was struck by the shear number that had died over the last seven days.  An empty feeling came over me thinking about the family and friends that had lost a loved one.  I looked around the church at the many whose heads were bowed in silence.  This small, southern community is home for two military bases; Parris Island Training Facility and the Marine Naval Air Station.  Many of the people in attendance had served or are presently serving in the military.  I wondered what they were thinking and if they knew these people whose names were so numerous I lost count.

As the service moved on my attention was lost as I continued to think about the lives lost that week.  How old were they?  What did they like to do?  Who did they leave behind?  What emotions are their families going through at such a difficult time?  I could not imagine how difficult the upcoming holiday would be for those that had one less person at family gatherings and picnics. 

I continued to think about how fortunate I am and how fortunate we are as a country.  I thought of this coming weekend and Independence Day.  I thought about the men and women that have served our country in the past and what that means to me and my family today.  How fortunate and blessed we are by comparison to many throughout this world.

Some may wonder what this has to do with entrepreneurialism.  The answer is simple, everything.  Entrepreneurialism is about the spirit and freedom to fly.  It’s about the opportunity we all have to give it our best shot, whatever that may be.  It’s about success and failure and the freedom to experience both.  It’s about independent thinking and the guts to take a shot at something you believe in with all your heart.  Our independence has given us this opportunity and we should never take it for granted.

As my wife and I left church that day I asked the Associate Pastor how many names were on her list.  When her eyes met mine her response was quick and clear, “too many”.  She was correct. 

As we celebrate July 4^th I encourage everyone to remember this day for what it is, a holiday that recognizes our nation’s independence and all the rights, privileges and responsibilities we have as Americans.  Happy Independence Day!