We all look forward to celebrating July 4th. If we’re lucky, we’re with family and friends. Whether we have decorations at pool parties or barbeques with hotdogs and burgers, along with desserts decorated with red, white and blue, we should also be topping off our holiday celebration with some with thankfulness to those who fought for our freedom. “Proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free”...I still remember how sweet it was to hear our daughter singing those words to the song by Lee Greenwood. Even though at three years old she really wasn’t sure what those words meant, we did. She had us play that song over and over and sang to it each time. And those words still hold true today. What is Independence Day? Just to give you some background, you know our nation declared independence from Great Britain, and every year, we celebrate July 4. This wasn’t always true. A few facts you may be interested in. July 4, 1776 was not the day we declared our independence (that was July 2, 1776).It wasn’t the day we started the revolution (that was the previous year).It wasn’t the day we delivered the declaration to Great Britain (that was November 1776).It WAS the day the Continental Congress approved the final wording in the Declaration of Independence.This made the date signed on the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776.It wasn’t until 1870 that July 4 was declared a national holiday (along with Christmas). It’s been over 200 years, and you’re still free Thanks to those who have and continue to serve our beautiful country, we have the freedom to stand up for what we believe in and voice our opinion without government reprisal. America has become the home of endless and unique cultures and ethnicities. For that, we should be thankful as it continues to remind us to be more accepting and thankful of people who are different from us. Because that is what makes America what it truly is…a great place to live and be free. Take a few minutes to be thankful for your freedom Our military has continued to keep us safe throughout the years. Our nation has survived a civil war, two world wars, and numerous other threats. But we continue to live strong as a nation. Take a moment to simply reflect on what freedom means to you. You can pursue the job you want, an education, a home, and even more than one child. Not every country allows these freedoms. In that same fighting spirit that spawned our independence as a nation, we say thanks to all those who protect our country past and present, as well as those who gave us our freedom to follow our dreams and create our own future. Join the Movement We need YOUR help. Cards for Vets coordinates holiday cards for multiple holidays, including Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Our goal is to make sure our veterans know they are not forgotten. Sign up for updates notifications of Cards for Our Vets visits, as well as how you can help.
