As we celebrate Independence Day and feel our hearts swell with pride while we listen to the National Anthem, and gaze at red, white and blue fireworks displays, we ponder what it means to be an American.

By Judge Charles Price

As America approaches the celebration of its 223rd Birthday, I pause to pay respect to the great patriots and their legacy to the nation. In a real sense, the first patriots of this country were the "Founding Fathers." For it was they who "wrestled" with the idea of freedom and democracy. The Declaration of Independence declares our inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., writing years after the signing of the Declaration, insisted that "Freedom is an expensive thing." The kind of patriotism embodied in the words of the Declaration, alludes to Dr. King's conclusion and what must have also been the conclusion of the Founders - love of country requires commitments, sacrifices, and courage. The founders and Dr. King were great patriots.

Few recall some important words from the last part of the Declaration of Independence --honor, duty, sacred trust.

It was Thomas Paine who reminded us that patriotism requires a reaching out. This outward reach extends beyond ourselves to our families, but it transcends families; it extends to those we have never met but yet we share a connection. Reaching out and making sacrifices are parts of our responsibilities and the price we must pay to safeguard freedom and justice. Thomas Paine was a great patriot.

It is arguably true that African Americans lag behind White Americans in economic, education, and political parity. It is also true that many of us have reaped the benefits of freedom and democracy, making the best of America's opportunities. We have attained measures of prosperity that might not have been possible had we not lived in America.

Therefore, our American "duty" requires us to eliminate all remaining official obstacles and social barriers against those yearning freedom, not just African Americans, but every American. Freedom itself translates into hope and it is our obligation to help replace their despair with hope. Sacrifices must be made, but hope must be kept alive, for when we lose hope, we are losing part of the founding principles of the Declaration.

As I ponder these words, I am mindful that today thousands of young African Americans serving in our military are in harms-way in Europe. Historically our rights were safeguarded, in part, by the bravery of African American men who went to every war America has engaged in and fought on foreign soil. Their suffering and many deaths were spent safeguarding the ideas and principles of America. Those who returned home often were treated worse than the enemies they had fought. Yet, they did not despair, for they saw it as their sacred duty to defend the ideas and principles of America. Their patriotism was never in doubt. They showed their devoted, love, dedication and loyalty to the country by their gallant action during these wars. These African Americans were great patriots.

Today America appears to be drained of patriotic energy. There does not appear to be any enthusiasm for optimizing America's vast and bountiful potential for all of its citizens. Thus, I think a good outpouring of Patriotism will help energize the country and move it to greater heights so that all of America's citizens can reap the benefits of our vast resources.

As I express my appreciation for the opportunities and benefits America has afforded me, I hope America is appreciative of my efforts to be a good, solid, productive and patriotic citizen. While offering my thanks to the nation and showing my Patriotic fervor, I have one regret. Although I served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era, three years in the 82nd Airborne Division and three years with the 8th Special Forces (Green Berets), I did not get an opportunity to serve in combat in Vietnam. I regret this.

As the recipient of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation's 1997 "John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award" and the National Education Association's 1998 "Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award," I would like to believe that my actions, which resulted in me being selected for these two honors, stem from the manifested dedication and respect that I have for the law and legal principles of America. I call myself a great Patriot. Each time I put on my robe and dispense justice, I hope I am living up to my "sacred duty" of safeguarding the rights of individuals.

In conclusion, I say thanks to America on its 223rd Birthday and may it remain forever free under the world's greatest symbol - Old Glory - the American Flag.

Judge Charles Price, born in Hunter's Station, Montgomery, the 4^th child of Alfred and Bessie Price, went directly into the U.S. Army after graduating from Carver High School. He enlisted, served six years on active duty as a paratrooper, then remained in the U.S. Army Reserves until he retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

After graduating from Virginia Union University, Judge Price earned his law degree at George Washington University in the District of Columbia, where he graduated with honors. He began his legal career in Washington with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Longing to return to Montgomery, "Charlie," as his old friends call the Judge, came back to his roots. He served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Alabama until he was appointed Acting District Attorney for Escambia County. At the time of his appointment, Judge Price became the first nonwhite District Attorney in Alabama's history and the only one in the United States.

Later, Judge Price became Deputy District Attorney for Montgomery County, a position he held until he entered private practice in 1978. In 1981, Montgomery Mayor Emory Folmar appointment him to the position of Assistant Municipal Judge. He held that position until 1983 when Governor George C. Wallace appointed him to his current position as Montgomery County Circuit Judge, the first nonwhite to ever hold this position.

Off the bench, Judge Price is involved in myriad civic and professional organizations. He teaches law at the University of Alabama and Jones law schools. He attends St. John's AME Church in Montgomery where he is a member of the Steward Board and a Sunday School teacher. Judge Price and his wife, Bernice, have two children: Susan, a practicing attorney, and Charles Price II, a senior in college.