Saturday, July 4, 2015

Happy 4th of July!

"It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."  ~John Adams

Nothing says summer like the fourth of July, especially in New England, comprised of states that were there “at the beginning” of the United States of America. I’m always amazed when I think about my country’s origins. It was built by brave folks who, despite the odds, fought for what they believed in.

I often wonder what George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John and Samuel Adams, and Thomas Jefferson would think of the nation today. Would they be impressed by our progress? Would they approve of what we’ve done with independence?

Would their hearts break over the injustices that exist amidst the freedom they helped win for us?

I’d be willing to bet they’d give us a thumbs up on some things and a thumbs down on others. What words of wisdom would they share with us? What changes would they make? Would they be willing to fight for the nation as it stands today?

Simply watching the news or surfing the web reveals all of the problems the United States faces on a regular basis. Financial woes. Environmental crises. Racism. Violence. Drugs. I have to believe, however, that for every negative, something positive is also happening in the country. Someone is working on solving problems. Someone is finding solutions. Someone is keeping the fight going.

Because freedom is not automatic.

It needs continual defense. It needs people who understand its value. It needs people willing to do whatever it takes. It needs unity.

So today, don’t consider yourself Italian or Irish or French or Portuguese or whatever your heritage involves.

Instead, be American.

Be American and remember the sacrifices that have been made and will continue to be made in the name of liberty.

Toodles,
Chris

The Maple Leaf Series, available now. Book One, More Than Pancakes, is always FREE in ebook.

4 comments:

Jannine Gallant said...

United we stand... Have a happy 4th, Chris!

Leah St. James said...

Great reminder, Chris. Have you ever seen the HBO miniseries "John Adams?" Based on David McCullough's Pulitzer-prize winning biography, it traces Adams' life from his pre-Revolution days as a farmer/lawyer in Massachusetts to his death. It's a fascinating look at our history, the good and the bad. We have the series on DVD and often do a binge watch at this time of year. (That and Gettysburg, which also took place in early July.)

Happy Independence Day!

Margo Hoornstra said...

It's true what they say - Freedom is certainly not free. I agree that for every bad occurrence, there is some good out there to counteract it. (I hope!) Happy fourth - a day late - but just as sincere.

Diane Burton said...

OMG, Chris. Without reading your post, I wrote an article for a joint newsletter about the 4th and how those early "traitors" (that's how they would've fared if we'd lost the war) would have fared in our time. Brilliant minds and all that. :)