Happy Independence Day, America!

Happy Independence Day! Photo by Eric Beato https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericbeato/ Used with permission under CC License 2.0

Let’s face it – America’s got problems. Economic problems, workforce problems, education problems, immigration problems, healthcare problems…the list goes on. For all its problems and challenges, though, America is still a damn fine place to be. We all have the freedom to pursue our interests, worship, and speak out as we see fit. The sacrifices made hundreds of years ago and renewed every century since have afforded us the opportunities to go watch a Captain America flick or play a simulation of the Revolutionary War, or, if you so choose, to gather and scream at the powers that be about the things you believe need changed. As you go about your business this holiday, I encourage you to take a moment and reflect on the freedoms we have and how they were gained and retained over the years.

As a gamer, a nerd, a Marine, and an American, I wish each and every one of you a happy Independence Day!

To mark the both the origin of the nation and one of the founding fathers of modern gaming, one of my favorite artists and illustrators, Jon Kovalic, created a pictoral tribute to both and shared them via tweet. Go check it out…it’s brilliant!

It's a 4th of July 5th Edition DORK TOWER FRIDAY! New strip back at the mothership now! http://t.co/nZ5jArDznO Happy birthday, America!

— John Kovalic (@muskrat_john) July 4, 2014