We all enjoy watching fireworks and spending time with our family and friends during the Fourth of July holiday.

For one local man, Saturday marks his first July 4 holiday back with his family since his time in Afghanistan.

"It means a whole lot more to me when I think about the long term sacrifice that so many people before us had to bear and pay for us to celebrate this day," said Sergeant Brett Hightower.

Sergeant Hightower spent last Fourth of July over seas before being injured last August.

"You have to continue to think about so much more than just the day," said Sergeant Hightower.

The location of this year's holiday is different for Hightower as well as the events.

With July 4 comes the memories of his Lieutenant committing suicide on the Fourth of July last year.

Hightower says some people may not realize how mentally trying combat can be on soldiers.

"As we go forth from here, I just think it's very important to continue to help and give aid to those soldiers who even though they might come back from combat operations being deployed over seas and they don't have any physical ailments, there's also the emotional problems," said Sergeant Hightower.

He says he's very grateful to have the opportunity to spend the holiday with family and friends, but he never wants anyone to forget the true meaning behind the Fourth of July.

"This was by President Kennedy," said Sergeant Hightower. "It says, 'Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.'"

Hightower adds we need to remember those who helped us earn our freedom. and that we must continue to work for it.