America’s patriotic celebrations, like July 4th, include many references to battles fought and sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

Even in our national anthem, we sing about “the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air.“

This holiday, thousands of our troops continue fighting a battle for freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Others are keeping an eye on rogue nations that would threaten the freedoms Americans cherish.

In Cherokee County, South Carolina, the threat to freedom is different but very real and serious.

AAA Carolinas is forecasting a 2.4 percent lower number of travelers for the 4th of July holiday weekend compared to a year ago. That translates to an expected 452,459 motorists on the road for the long weekend.

For the first time since 2001, holiday travel will not increase on July 4th.