Happy 4th of July!!!! This is my mom's all time favorite holiday. I love 4th of July because it usually means we are at the Cabin but because of drama over the past two years 4th of July hasn't been the same. Don't get me wrong it's still fun as I get to hang out with my best friends and their families. BBQ, potato salad, fireworks, parades, and yummy desert. It's easy to get caught up in what's, where's, and who's and completely forget why we are celebrating today. When asked why we celebrate 4th of July many of us say: "It's the day we gained independence from Britain" and while this is true and worth celebrating that often makes it sound like fighting for independence is a one time thing. We forget that our freedom and independence must be fought for Every. Single. Day. Ronald Reagan once said "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We don't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same"
There are many families who will be celebrating 4th of July missing members of their families. Some of you may even be reading this right now. Your sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and friends are fighting for our freedom and this day celebrates them. Some of your family members and friends have died protecting our nation and today is the day we remember and celebrate their sacrifice. To paraphrase Joseph Campbell, a hero is someone who is willing to sacrifice his/her life for something bigger than his/herself. This is the holiday of Hero's. I want to take a minute and just say thank you. I don't know if any soldiers will read this but from a teenage girl in Colorado, thank you. It is because of you I can debate without fear of persecution. It is because of you I can say what I want, believe what I want, and do what I want (within the law of course). Thank you for your sacrifice and your willingness to fight so we can be free. I pray for you and your families every time I think of you.
4th of July isn't just in celebration of that day in 1776. It is a celebration of our men and women who are fighting for our freedom every day. Don't forget our US soldiers, active duty or retired. Take a minute to thank them, to salute them, and to pray for them. And more important never forget them.
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