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In recognition of the Independence Day celebration today, our regular Saturday “Diamonds & Coal” feature won’t stick anyone with a lump of coal for crummy actions. Instead, we’ve declared it a “diamonds-only editorial.” And, yes, we’re free to do that.

Diamonds to modern patriots. Democracy, if not well-tended, can be contorted into something the Founding Fathers sought to escape. Hats off to attorneys, advocates, activists and others who strive to preserve our rights, at the voting booth and far beyond.

Diamonds to first-year Wilkes University students. During a summer orientation session this week, more than 325 incoming freshmen performed trail maintenance, litter pickups and other tasks as both a means of getting more familiar with the area and gaining an appreciation for the value of community service. The take-away lesson for these collegians and adults everywhere: This nation’s success in no small part depends on people working collaboratively to solve local issues.

Diamonds to Gov. Tom Wolf. Out of the blue, he called the Times Leader on Tuesday afternoon to reiterate his talking points about the state budget. Though admittedly self-serving, the unexpected chat was a refreshing reminder that all politics is personal and even our top elected officials shouldn’t exist in cocoons. Next, let’s hope the governor and top Republican leaders can connect for, in Wolf’s words, a “serious conversation” about Pennsylvania’s spending priorities.

Diamonds to Pennsylvania State Police troopers and others patrolling area roadways during this extended holiday weekend. They’ll be on the lookout for aggressive drivers, including speeders. They also plan to conduct roving patrols and checkpoints, hoping to prevent any motorist impaired by alcohol or drugs from causing a tragedy. Help them to keep the Fourth festive and safe; make sure your “pursuit of happiness” doesn’t include irresponsible behavior.

Diamonds to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s performers and other musicians who add pep to our nation’s birthday party. The philharmonic, for instance, is scheduled to appear this evening in Wilkes-Barre’s Kirby Park. Count on it to enliven the pre-fireworks gathering with some Sousa, then unleash a bit of bombastic Tchaikovsky. Let the “cannons” roar!

Diamonds to writers who encapsulate grand notions – about things such as liberty and justice – into the memorable lines that inspire movements. From “When in the course of human events,” to “This land is your land,” to lyrics from Bruce Springsteen’s “American Skin,” words picked with care have compelled Americans to pause, to look inward and to realize truths. In our finer moments, we acted upon this newfound awareness and made the nation “a more perfect union.”

There are words yet to be written.