July 4th, or Independence Day is the only holiday we have that celebrates the United States of America.  It's kinda like Christmas in that sometimes we get so caught up in the activities associated with the day, we forget what we are celebrating.  While the fireworks, family picnics, parades, fun and food are special it's nice to take some time to reflect on this day and what it means to be an American...FREEDOM, is my first thought.  Thomas Jefferson in his famous preamble to the Declaration of Independence said,

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are  Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness".

WOW, now that's pretty cool!  So on this 4th of July I will make sure to include that in our day, along with the fireworks and BBQ of course.  When I travel out of country, which I have done extensively in pursuit of my passion for scuba diving, I always feel so glad to be home.  To be back in the US and grateful for all we have, and thankful for the sacrifices that have been made over the years since 1776.  Especially when you travel to the more remote, third world countries and come home to American it really hits you.  We have so much to be grateful and thankful for.  Yes, there are things that don't work right and could be better, honestly through this is the best it is anywhere in the world.  The greatest country in the world, the United States of America, my home.

Independence Day commentates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, declaring our independence from Britain, and that our thirteen American Colonies were no longer a part of the British Empire.  The Second Continental Congress met on July 4th, 1776, however the original document from that day was lost and it wasn't until August 2nd that the document we now have was actually signed by John  Hancock and the other delegates.  The wording was approved on July 4th, however the famous handwritten version was created after July 19th, and was signed by most delegates on August 2nd, 1776.

One other little bit of American trivia was that in a remarkable series of coincidences both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson two of our founding fathers and the only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence that went on to become presidents of the United States, they also both died on the same day, July 4th 1826, our 50th anniversary.  So now you have a little bit of history (in case you had forgotten part of your history lessons :) to talk about today during the festivities.

I also found this video of Elvis singing America to help you get in the mood.  So turn up your volume and get out the Kleenex (I always need it for this one, and our National Anthem, yes I'm sentimental and very Proud to be an American).  Hope you enjoy this and your July 4th celebrating our country, the most marvelous country in the world.  God bless America and praying for all our troops to be home soon.

Celebrating being an American on this July 4th, 2008

Liz Carter, owner/broker Liz Carter & Team Realty.  Serving Katy, Houston and Sugar Land Texas for all your real estate needs.  www.lizcarter.com  281-391-SOLD (7653)