I kind of
love the Fourth of July.
I do not love
the loud firecrackers just yards away, that scare my pets to the point of distraction and make
me run through the house to find them before they leave surprises under my bed,
which I wrote about here, nor do I love the sweltering heat that manages to
engulf my town this time of year.
But I love
the Star Spangled Banner. It’s my very
favorite song and I cry every single time I hear it. I love the story of how it
came to be written and I love the way strangers stand together with their hands
over their hearts whenever it is played.
I love the Declaration of Independence, paintings of our Founding
Fathers, Old Glory, and every veteran who ever served to protect freedom. Anywhere.
I love a
flag raising, a free pancake breakfast like the one my church is serving today,
outdoor barbecues and picnics (with pie!), little kids pedaling decorated
tricycles, brass bands in a gazebo, and sparkly fireworks blooming against a
starry sky. I love seeing elderly people
dressed up in all the red-white-and-blue they can find, and wish young people did
the same.
And so
today I salute every person who came to America for freedom, every descendant
of the same, and everyone who stands with us for liberty and justice for
all.
Now go sing the Star Spangled
Banner, all four verses. Out loud. Be grateful for those who made your life possible. If you live in
another country, come visit me and we'll sing it, then
join me for a slice of pie.
And
take a look-see at my youtube videos here, where you’ll learn all kinds of life
skills that will make you enjoy this lucky life of yours even more.
No comments:
Post a Comment