Independence Day Tribute

     It seems that whenever the Fourth Of July or Independence Day are mentioned, only thoughts of family picnics, beach celebrations and nights  filled with fireworks come to mind.  What is missing?  Glory and honor that we owe to our country sadly falls behind in our holiday thoughts.  Respect for the American flag we so proudly fly and gratitude for the many war heroes who have fallen should be at the tops of our Independence Day lists.

     The great statesmen and founding fathers of our country penned a powerful and unfaltering declaration for the sake of all Americans.  The year was 1776 and John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock , and countless other added their names to this fine testament to the American people.   The United States of America is a country that had blood and tears shed for the freedom we take for granted today.  The Statue of Liberty valiantly stands in New York Harbor welcoming all to her shores.  The pride we need to take for this great land of ours needs to be celebrated more than just on Flag Day in June and the Fourth of July.  

     It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to celebrate the independence of our nation.  We need to show our nation’s pride at more than the traditional family gatherings, memorial parades and sporting events.  We need to remember how America gained its freedom and at what cost the next time we see fireworks lighting up the night sky.  Those who gave their lives for this country deserve to have their memories honored.  Dishonor and disrespect for the flag and our day of independence is also dishonor and disrespect for them.  

     We need to show our gratitude to our dutybound troops overseas who risk their lives for this country every day.  Take a stand for humanity!  Show the world that America is a country worth the price paid for freedom!