Before we head off to enjoy picnics, barbecues, fireworks and family gatherings this Independence Day, it seems appropriate to take a few minutes to reflect on our country and what may lie ahead. Times are rough; bad news comes in from the financial markets every day; and the increase in gasoline prices appears likely to bring permanent change to the way we live.

This isn't the first time Americans have faced hardship — the Great Depression, followed by the World War II years, were a lot worse than anything we're dealing with now — but are younger Americans today as strong as our parents and grandparents were?

When people refer to "The Greatest Generation," they are not kidding. Think of what they endured as children growing up in the Depression and later as young people heading off to war or holding down the fort at home. Then they returned to build America into the world's No. 1 superpower and financial engine.

There was a depth behind the World War II generation that came from faith, patriotism and family — a depth that has suffered some erosion in modern life. Just think about how hard it is for civic clubs to attract members; too many people are too busy to concern themselves with the community. Think about the way few people attend local government meetings and how church membership has declined.

We need to care for each other, and several recent things happening in our town are good signs: There has been an outpouring of support for the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall scheduled to visit Tifton this fall; a church group collecting supplies for soldiers in Afghanistan also was successful when seeking donations; another group is asking the community to donate flags to be used to mark Tifton streets from downtown to Eighth Street Middle School (for more information, call Bill Johnson at 229-392-2475).

When you think you don't have time to go by the voting booth, or you decide to stay home instead of volunteering at church or with a civic club, just remember: Your actions form a part of the tapestry of American life and what you do can, and does, make a difference.

We have an abiding faith in America and in Americans, and especially in our local citizens. On this day celebrating our independence as a separate, sovereign nation, let us remember what is important and, as President Kennedy said, remember that "God's work on earth must truly be our own."