Fourth of July is right around the corner, and this year, as we remember and recognize our troops who have are serving their fourth year in the Iraq war, many are thinking of ways that we, as citizens, can honor them. Well, Tiger Woods is leading the way. Tiger Woods had donated 30,000 free tickets for military personnel, to attend the inaugural Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am Tournament. Held in Bethesda, Maryland, the military will also be featured as extraordinary guests with exceptional seating and special hospitality tents.

Tiger Woods has shared his sentiment that clearly expresses his firm commitment and support to our troops. He has expressed that his father was a Vietnam veteran and by honoring his fellow servicemen, he is honoring his father. He is quoted as saying,

“They put their lives on the line so that we are able to enjoy our freedom, and we’d love for them to come out and enjoy a few days of relaxation. Our intent is to honor and really thank the people that protect us.”

In addition, Tiger Woods will be playing a round with female Sgt. Major Mia Kelly of 1st Information Operations Command at Fort Belvoir, Va. Not only will they be playing, but also Sgt. Andy Amor of Andrews Air Force Base and the chairman of AT&T, Randall Stephenson. If this isn’t special enough, none other than President Bush himself will also join them on the 15th or 16th hole, who will play for the remainder of the round.

The event is sure to inspire everyone with commitment to the troops, and this will no doubt be displayed with the unveiling of the American flag to the backdrop of God Bless America. The scenery will also include an Air Force drill team, four hundred additional flags that spectators will be given, and patriotic tunes filling the air throughout the day. The highlight of the event, no doubt will be when Specialist Vicki Golding sings the national anthem at 11:26, followed by a grand display performed by the Army’s Blackhawk Helicopter Wing. This is sure to be a grand event and Tiger Woods is to be commended for honoring our nation’s troops with such extravagance and excellence.

Though we all can’t honor the troops with such elaborate grandeur, this Fourth of July celebration should be a time where we all stop to honor the troops in our own way. First, we should stop and take the time to consider all that our troops have accomplished for us in this country. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to defending our rights against terrorists, our troops have been there, every step of the way, defending our right for liberty, justice, and the pursuit of freedom. Our troops have paid for our right to freedom with their blood, sweat, and tears. Many of our troops have paid the ultimate sacrifice and given everything they have. We need to take the time to stop and acknowledge all the people who have given their lives so that we may enjoy ours.

Tiger Woods is doing that this Fourth of July. How about you?