For George & Thomas, John & Benjamin, With Thanks This 4th of July

Happy 4th of July, America!

Today, we celebrate our country’s independence. We remember our Founding Fathers, and are thankful for men such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. As I look at all the Facebook posts my friends are making this morning, I know many of us are taking a moment to realize how thankful we are to live in this great United States of America.

Parades of all sorts are happening as I write this: bikes are decorated in red, white, and blue; kids on rollerblades waving flags; floats being driven down the streets as people wave to spectators; police, firefighters, and emergency crews driving vehicles waving to proud members of the community on the side of the road. Don’t let the parade pass you by…

We’ll also probably spend some time eating good ‘ole American food. Break out the hot dogs, burgers, potato and macaroni salads. Slice up the apple pie.

My team, the Baltimore Orioles, play today. So, pile on some American baseball as an added bonus.

And, of course, there are the Fireworks. Big, bright, explosives will illuminate the sky tonight, a celebration of our life in America and this 236th birthday of our great land. A day off for Americans to pause and reflect on what it means to be free.

Happy birthday, America. Let freedom ring.

“Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people . . . This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution.”
John Adams, 1818