Opinion: Much to celebrate and protect

We are especially mindful this July 4th of the fundamental values on which our nation was founded. On this first Independence Day since the terrorist attacks, the nation exudes a spirit of unity and purpose. Most Americans don't seem cowed by warnings that terrorists may see this holiday's festivities as an opportunity to launch a new attack. They have accepted restrictions on their movements and other security inconveniences with few complaints. And many Americans -- about half, some polls say -- are willing to give up some of their liberties in the name of fighting terrorism. Even the slightest loss of freedom is nothing to celebrate.

The physical symbols of this holiday may seem almost routine, because Americans have flooded the landscape with flags for months, and the usual displays of collective unity have been impossible to overlook since September. These symbols reflect a strength our enemies should not underestimate.

The Sept. 11 attacks came just as American popular culture was re-popularizing our founding fathers. New books have shown with inspiring detail the risks Adams, Jefferson and the others took in the struggle for American independence. Americans are now redefining patriotism by adjusting to new realities and weighing the challenges at home and abroad. We celebrate our independence at a time when the world is becoming more interdependent, and we celebrate our freedoms at a time when many Americans are willing to accept limits on their civil liberties.

So while these times call for a new-found vigilance, they also remind Americans that we have much to celebrate and much to protect, not only from shadowy foreign enemies but from our own government.

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