The Fourth of July could be falling victim to the same diseaseas some other holidays: American amnesia about the reason for theseason.

A new Zogby poll offers a distressing portrait that only 48percent of those surveyed specifically recognize the Fourth as atime to celebrate this great country’s independence.

Smaller percentage view the holiday as a way to spend time withfamily and friends, as just a day off from work or as a reason fortravel. Yes, the Fourth is all of those things, but ourindependence and the freedoms that come with it should be foremostin our thoughts this Tuesday.

While the real reasons for other holidays like Christmas andEaster have battle fronts with commercialism and politicalcorrectness, the Fourth of July could be suffering a crisis ofcomplacency.

The vast array of freedoms that we have enjoyed in the 230 yearssince the Declaration of Independence’s signing have become takenfor granted – particularly among young people. The poll found that55 percent of those over age 65 celebrate America’s independencewhile only 40 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds do.

Older Americans remember the struggles, like World Wars I andII, this country went through to ensure democracy’s continuedexistence in the world.

From a standpoint of this country’s independence, combat in faraway places like Iraq and Afghanistan may not offer the same senseof importance or urgency for many. Political questions about why weare there also cloud the independence picture.

Soldiers in those places, though, certainly will not be takingthe day off Tuesday to spend with families, to cook out withfriends or to travel to interesting locales. The only travel theywill be doing is through war zones and neighborhoods fraught withimprovised explosive devices and other potential life-threateningdangers.

Freedom truly is not free.

Tyrants, terrorists and dictators must not be allowed tocontinue their efforts to suppress our independence. The pricesoldiers pay in fighting that evil is but one example of what isneeded to maintain the country’s freedom.

They’re there so we can enjoy our independence here. Don’tforget it.