Barbecues and swimming pools, outdoor music and fireworks.

Few summer activities sound more American, especially on the Fourth of July.

As we all celebrate, let us remember that today means so much more.

The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, and while it wouldn’t be signed for another month, the sentiment behind Independence Day couldn’t be clearer.

With that one document — drafted by John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson —13 British colonies became 13 independent states. The United States of America.

Today, 238 years later, people from all over the world still flock to this nation to find his or her piece of the “American dream.”

That dream is, at its core, still life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, just as our Founding Fathers wrote.

And that’s what makes this country so great and that’s what should be celebrated on this day. We can chase our dreams, fight for a cause, cry foul to our political leaders at all levels of government if we want. We can vote. We can make a difference.

So while you’re looking up at the fireworks this weekend, remember that wars have been fought and people have died to protect this country. Don’t waste your independence, instead keep chasing that American dream.