Our neighborhood has a few traditions:

• A neighborhood chili cook-off before Halloween
• Luminarias on Christmas Eve
• Flags out front for every holiday.

The last part, the flags, are provided by the local boy scouts. They deliver a large flag to your front yard… a flag that flies from dawn to dusk.

Since my son has been a boy scout for several years now that means I drive while he posts.

It's amazing how different the neighborhood looks during the holidays. The neighbors smile that much more. They wave as you deliver or take down.

More importantly, this act raises questions among the very young. When they ask why we put the flags out front we're able to explain what the flag means to us.

We explain that it's more than a decoration- it's a symbol… and, a feeling. A symbol that this nation succeeded… and a feeling that if our founders could accomplish what they did, well then- so can we.

On our nation's birthday I have a long list of thanks... but let me sum it up this way: I thank every person who has made or is currently sacrificing so that my family can enjoy the pursuit of happiness.

When I drive past these flying colors I could not be more proud of this nation- and the privilege it is to live here.

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Photo Credit: "USA Flags" by Paula Brewer, a very talented photographer.