INDEPENDENCE DAY
Despite what you see and hear from online and big box retailers trying to get your hard-earned money, it is not the 4th of July holiday. Everything you hear and see on television and social media is the 4th of July. We are celebrating Independence Day on the 4th of July.
Like most holidays, the real meaning is lost in a sea of commercialism. Christmas is not about Santa Claus and spending lots of money on gifts. The real reason for the season is the birth of Jesus. Easter is not about bunny rabbits and baskets filled with candy. It is about the death on the cross and the resurrection of Jesus.
Independence Day marks the historic date when the Declaration of Independence was signed and approved by the Continental Congress in 1776. The written declaration stated that the American colonies were tired of being ruled by Great Britain, and we wanted to become our own country.
Although America sometimes feels broken and divided, it is still the greatest nation in the world. That would not be possible without our men and women veterans who have served and are serving our country to protect our freedom.
Do something to thank a veteran this Independence Day. Invite a veteran to your Independence Day celebration. If you don’t know one, find a local veteran’s group. Men and women who sacrificed for us deserve our thanks. As a veteran, I know how good it feels when someone thanks me for my service.
The Independence Day that stands out most to me is one I spent with other men and women who are also veterans. They took us out crappie fishing on pontoon boats. It was mainly Vietnam veterans, however, two World War II veterans were also on our boat. A Korean War veteran and some Gulf War veterans were on another boat. The third boat even had a Vietnam veteran in a wheelchair. An American flag flew proudly on the bow of the boats as we crossed the lake.
We caught lots of crappie that day. Many stories were told and shared. Some, they had needed to talk about for a long time. Late afternoon, they took us to a secluded cove where we enjoyed a great meal of the crappie we had caught.
Afterward, we got in the boats, and they took us across the lake for a special celebration. A giant, illuminated American flag waved in the night sky. The fireworks began. Every veteran on all the boats immediately stood and saluted our flag. Some hugged each other and had tears in their eyes.
On Independence Day, please take the time to give thanks to our veterans and those currently serving. Be thankful for those who gave their lives for your freedom. Thank God for them. If not for all our veterans, the cookouts, fireworks, time with family and friends, and even your crappie fishing trip would not be happening on Independence Day.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
“I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with freedom.” ~ Bob Dylan
