This coming Sunday is July 4th, and like most Americans, we will be celebrating Independence Day. Actually, my family will begin celebrating tonight watching the firework display at Utah State University and continue celebrating all weekend through Monday. It honestly should be a week long celebration. We live in the greatest country in the world and that is something worth celebrating. For most of my life the Fourth of July simply meant a paid vacation from work, fireworks, and golf. Over the past couple of years, as I have watched as our country has entered such a politically charged environment--it has taken on new meaning for me. My life to this point has been fairly "easy". I have not had to sacrifice my life, my family, my everything to fight for freedom, as so many of our forefathers have done. It has been given to me on a silver platter. And even with the many challenges we face right now as a Republic, I can honestly say we do live in the greatest time and in the greatest nation this planet has ever known. I really like this quote taken from a letter John Adams sent to his wife:
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."
He was off by two days, as it is now celebrated on July 4th, which is the date shown on the Declaration of Independence. John Adams was referring to the day the resolution of independence was approved by Congress, which was July 2nd.
So this weekend, go out, watch the fireworks, light-up your own fireworks, eat too much, drink too much, spend time with your families and friends, lounge by the pool, lake or ocean, and love life. At the end of the day, take a moment to remember why we have it so good. And thank God. Have a great weekend and God bless America.
