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For many, the Fourth of July is a celebration of our nation’s independence filled with family, fun and fireworks.

We wish everybody the best and hope you all have fun during one of our country’s most important holidays, but we hope most of all you do it safely.

Inevitably, there will be parties and celebrations around the Fourth. Gatherings will be held in backyards, parks and on the water, but we hope you do so, responsibly.

It should go without saying that if alcohol is present, it is used in a way that keeps you from getting behind the wheel of a car or boat.

It’s been said over and over again that doing anything involving transportation while being intoxicated is a risk and a danger not only to yourself, but to others. We see absolutely no reason to take even the smallest risk of a bad decision that brings a dark cloud over not only the festivities and the holiday, but for years to come.

By all means, have a good Fourth of July, but at the same time make plans ahead of time to ensure you and your friends and family remain safe this holiday break.