As Glen Ellyn prepares for the 4th of July Parade, Picnic and Fireworks, it's important for all of us to reflect on how the country's founding fathers risked their lives to create a nation built on specific guiding principles which provide its citizens freedoms people in other nations may NOT have.

Here is the complete text of the Declaration of Independence.

The original spelling and capitalization have been retained.

(Adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776)
The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America

Seven Bridges to Host US Olympic Men Orientation Camp

USA Hockey announced that 34 players, have been invited to the U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Orientation Camp from August 17-19, at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, IL.

The camp is designed to assist in the preparation of the 2010 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team that will compete at the XXI Olympic Winter Games to be held from Feb. 12-28, 2010, in Vancouver, B.C.

The camp will feature Chicago Blackhawks' forwards Patrick Kane and Dustin Byfuglien.

Give a special memory of this year's Glen Ellyn Regatta to someone special!

View a higher resolution image here.

Glen Ellyn based photographer Erik R Peterson, who captured last year's Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk in a stunning panoramic image, is offering a limited edition Glen Ellyn Regatta fine art print.

Hundreds of spectators viewed a variety of cardboard boat designs Saturday in Lake Ellyn Park in the 17th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta.

View boat designs and scenes from the event here.

Vogue Award: (most spectacular or prettiest-looking boat)
Bike Shop Bunny, with captain Harrison Gardner

Pride of the Regatta: (most creative design and best use of corrugated cardboard)
The Lulu, with captain Nick Mellinser

On a remarkably beautiful Sunday afternoon, family and friends, former coaches, teachers and neighbors waited outside the Visco family home for their joyfully, energetic neighbor to appear on Cranston Court.

A few moments earlier, Katie Visco and members from the Glen Ellyn Runners Club completed the 6 mile jog from Lombard toward her family home. View photos of her journey into Glen Ellyn, stop at Glenbard West, and reaching her home.