Independence Day

The fourth of July is designated as a time of celebration that reflects on and remembers the "birthday" of our nation.  Many activities will take place today that will not have any real connection with the original purpose of the celebration.  Many Americans may spend time today boating on the lake.  Other Americans will find themselves at cookouts with family and friends while others may choose to enjoy a day of simple relaxation.  Let us not forget those groups of our fellow Americans today who will be at work on July 4th.  Let us remember the policeman, the fireman, medical personnel, emergency personnel, etc. who will spend their time at work so that we can enjoy our day away from work.  The day will culminate with an array of fireworks celebrations which will range from the child in the backyard to the large demonstration at ballparks or even city parks.  None of these celebrations are wrong by any means; after all part of the freedom of America is to be able to assemble freely with our family and friends and participate in any legal activity that we might choose.

During the night I was awakened to this reminder.  We must remember to fully appreciate our freedom and all of the blessings that freedom has provided for us.  It is so easy to become caught up in all of the "partying" that we fail to fully recognize and remember those brave men and women who have served to preserve and protect the freedom we enjoy.  Some of these brave soldiers paid the ultimate price with their life while others have come home maimed and injured by the tragedies and atrocities of war.  Some of them will not be able to enjoy the picnic or a boat ride on the lake today.  Many of these brave soldiers may flinch or duck down when they hear the sounds of fireworks as they relive the "live fire" that they faced at one time.  We must never, never, ever, forget these individuals who have put their lives in harms way that we may enjoy our trips to the ballpark, our trips to family reunions, our trips to the lake, and even more importantly our trips to church to worship God. 

Let us remember that there was and still is a steep price being paid for these freedoms that we enjoy.  Freedom was not cheap and freedom is not cheap today.  The next time you see an American flag waving in the wind or you hear the National Anthem sung remember those men and women who have made all of our attempts at enjoyment and happiness become a reality.  They deserve our respect and appreciation.  Have a wonderful 4th of July!