4th of July and Independence Day Weekend Thoughts
With the 4th of July weekend upon us I find my mind thinking about what the holiday really means. The BBQ’s, gathering with friends and family, fireworks, and festivities are all great fun but, often times what the 4th of July represents gets lost because of everything else that’s going on.
The 4th of July is our country’s birthday. July 4, 1776 our country’s founders declared independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was risky and put their lives on the line but, they knew it would be worth it so they signed anyways. Years of gruesome battle followed and in 1783 the Revolutionary War was won and with that victory came the freedom for the United States to govern themselves. The freedoms of the Declaration were made into fact by the new Constitution in 1788 and I think it’s important to remember that they came at a huge cost.
I am proud to be an American and while I enjoy the BBQ’s, festivities, fireworks etc. I do believe that the real meaning of the 4th of July is more important and something that isn’t honored the way that it should be anymore. The people of the 13 colonies risked everything in order to be free and there are people today that simply take it for granted. Without their blood shed and tireless fighting to be free, make their own decisions, and govern themselves we would live in a very different America than we do today. I get chills when I think about what they went through in order to be free. The reality is freedom isn’t free – it always come with a cost.
I hope that when you’re enjoying the 4th of July this weekend that you’ll take a moment to give thanks – thanks to those who have fought for our freedom, thanks to those we have lost while they were fighting for freedom, and thanks for those who continue to fight for our freedom. Wishing all of you a great weekend and a very happy 4th of July.
Happy Birthday America!
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