The road to independence

Spectacular fireworks, sumptuous picnics and patriotic parades are longstanding traditions enjoyed by Americans on the Fourth of July. The day also offers a chance to reflect on our Founding Fathers' courageous decision to proclaim America's independence from British rule.

The impact of the Revolutionary War- although fought more than 230 years ago- is still felt in our daily lives. From the money we carry to the street signs we pass every day, we've helped ensure that the names of those brave men and women who helped forge our country- and the places where the battles for independence were fought- will not be forgotten.

Some of the names remind us of the important places in our nation's past: Concord Court in Simi Valley; Falmouth Street and Princeton Road in Thousand Oaks; Delaware Drive, Princeton Avenue and Virginia Colony Place in Moorpark; Lexington Court in Camarillo, and Lexington Way in Agoura Hills and Westlake Village.

Continental Court in Thousand Oaks and Constitution Avenue in Camarillo remind us of the first army and first Congress that helped give birth to our country and the important document that helped shaped our laws.

Famous Americans and even a helpful Frenchman are remembered: Franklin Court in Simi Valley and Monroe Avenue and Lafayette Court in Moorpark.

And, of course, more than one street bears the name of what our country stands for the most- freedom and liberty- as in Freedom Drive in Calabasas, Freedom Park Drive in Camarillo, Liberty Bell Road in Moorpark, Liberty Bell Drive in Calabasas, and Liberty Canyon Road in Agoura Hills.

While Spanish names are more common to the area, American-British nomenclature has taken a rightful place, too.

On this July Fourth, let's not forget our storied past and the strong history we carry forward. It is, after all, what drives us.