You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine Just own the night Like the Fourth of July
‘Cause baby you’re a firework.
Come on show ’em what you’re worth
Make ’em go “Oh, oh, oh!” As you shoot across the sky-y-y ~
Katy Perry, “Firework”
The Fourth of July is a big holiday in America. I have such wonderful and vivid childhood memories of celebrating on the shores of Lake Michigan, dancing around sparklers buried in the sand, and eating burgers, watermelon, cake with red, white and blue frosting and trying to elude adult eyes to steal a sip of beer from the inevitable keg. Those were wonderful days.
This year, when you are not eating, drinking, playing softball and watching fireworks, please give thought to our Founding Fathers and all that they sacrifised to secure our independence from an oppressive sovereign. We all will relive history, but it should not stop there. We should think about independence and freedom in our daily lives. We should take a moment to ask ourselves why it is special to live in America.
Here is what I think.
Our country is the greatest country on earth, and we need to keep it that way. Currently, the edges are crumbling a bit, and we need to get back to basics and the foundation of our freedom.
I have lived abroad and traveled abroad a lot in my life. Each time I return and touch down on American soil, I give thanks. Other cultures and other countries are interesting and exciting, and I have been blessed to experience them. But the freedoms there and the opportunities for advancement are minor as compared to the freedoms and protections we enjoy as Americans — and as women in America.
People need to understand that. I often wonder how the large discontented element of our country would respond to life elsewhere. I think they would be shocked and dismayed. I think that they might begin to see what they have here in America through a different lens.
It is all about mindset. America is still the greatest country on earth with a Constitution that has been replicated around the world and a Bill of Rights equaled by none. That is a lot worth fighting for.
So, happy Independence Day to America and to you. Wave the flag, get out the red, white and blue and have a happy and safe Fourth of July.