This is the week America pauses and remembers our Independence from Great Britain. The quest for freedom isn't a one time endeavor though. Millions have fought to keep us safe. Millions more, both at home and abroad, keep putting it on the line to make sure we're safe. Edmond police officer Tim Harwell and his brother, Fire Capt. Jeremy Harwell are two of the people who put it all on the line for us. 03.JUL.08 Publisher’s Note: We thought it would be appropriate for our issue closest to Independence Day to provide readers with a reminder of some of Edmond's heroes. What follows is a compilation of stories we have carried over the last year about true American heroes with Edmond ties. We hope you enjoy it and that your family has a safe and happy 4th of July. And if you have another hero we should profile, please send the information to news@edmondpaper.com. This July Fourth, it might not hurt to pause and remember the men and women who make it possible for the rest of us to go about what we do in the freedom won for us more than 200 years ago. For most of us, we go to work and generally don’t have to worry about whether we’ll be coming home that night. We do come home. If we make a mistake at work, the worst that can happen to us is we have to go find another job. For thousands and thousands of others they serve overseas, and right here at home, with the knowledge that this could be their last day. But you know what? They do it and don’t complain. Most are very honored to have the opportunity to serve their nation and community. Here’s a look at some of the people who have made a difference. [more]

Starting this weekend, and continuing on in the week, Edmond will get to have its annual LibertyFest celebration.

Make sure you reach into this issue and grab your official “LibertyFest 2008 Program & Event Guide.”
This is probably your best way to stay plugged into all the events happening in the next week or so. Edmond’s LibertyFest celebration, complete with a massive parade and fireworks display on July 4, draws thousands of spectators as well as national attention.
It’s a real testament to the work and dedication of scores of volunteers and organizers who care deeply about this community. Be sure to look in your inserted guide this and get acquainted with the folks who make this happen every year.
In addition to providing a great time for everyone in Edmond and the metro area, LibertyFest has another side to it. This party honors the sacrifices of those who have, and are, giving so much to Edmond and America.
Perhaps Leah Kessler, the 2008 LibertyFest president, sums it all best in a letter that appears in the official program.
“We hope you will take time to remember those who have given, and are giving their lives for our country in order that we may enjoy the most precious thing we have — freedom. Perhaps America has not attained perfection, but our country has attained greatness and through this we excel about others. May God continue to bless America.”
And then there’s this from Edmond Mayor Dan O’Neil.
“Our heroes are the soldiers, sailors and the National Guard members from our community who are serving our country overseas in harm’s way. They need to know that we are behind them, watching their progress and saying a prayer for them.”
Mayor O’Neil also salutes city workers and notes each of us plays a role in making this community the best it can be.
In today’s official guide, there are 48 pages outlining exactly what is happening with the many events over the next week.
Don’t forget the annual parade next week gets under way at 9 a.m. in Downtown Edmond. Dozens of entries are available— each promising a big dose of red, white and blue patriotism and fun. Indeed, God bless America! - Edmond Life & Leisure

When the rodeo comes to town - you know one thing's for sure - LibertyFest has arrived. That's the case this June 28-29 as cowhands from all over descend on Edmond for the annual competition. 19.JUN.08 Outside of the LibertyFest parade and fireworks, the annual rodeo means it’s time once again for a grand red, white and blue celebration in Edmond. The calendar dates this year are June 28-29. They fall on a Saturday and Sunday as the public and contestants will get to take in a great deal of excitement from the annual competition. [more]