Right now, it's 8:49PM CST on July 4th, 2005. This day marks the 229th anniversary of the signing of The Declaration of Independence, our country's ticket to freedom.
As I sit here typing this up, I hear the sounds of fireworks being set off in the neighborhood and town, each one ending with a loud "report" or "bang". With each one, I am reminded of the constant war taking place in other countries of the world, where the report follows a missle strike, a bomb drop, or a gunshot.
I am EXTREMELY thankful for our military forces, and the efforts they make -- their job -- to protect the freedom of this country, my family, my friends. Without this protection, the noises I'm hearing could be the same as the countries at war: the sound of death and destruction, coming from an opposing force.
It's far too easy to become complacent about this freedom and the protection thereof.
If you're reading this now, go sit outside, close your eyes, listen to the fireworks going off, and try to imagine what it would be like for those reports to be gunshots and bomb explosions rather than a pretty show of lights and colors. It's not a very pretty or comforting picture, is it? Just remember that each time you hear about the men and women of this country who are going to battle to protect YOUR freedom, the freedom that allows you to sit back in your comfortable, air-conditioned home, surfing the internet, listening to your music, and not having to really worry about whether or not your family will make it through the night alive.
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Great post, man! :)
Many people these days make the 4th about barbecues and beer. It upsets me tremendously. Anti-war or not, it isn't our troops who are starting them; they deserve all the support we can give 'em.
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gay.
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Even though what Josh says is correct, you arent tarnishing anything by enjoying a BBQ and some Beer.
It makes you realise that getting wound up about immigration isnt really that worth it (JOKE - I'll tell its coming this time).
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Good post!!!
Anti-war or not, I personally am glad that the terrorist attacks are all happening in Iraq and not here in the U.S.
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"you arent tarnishing anything by enjoying a BBQ and some Beer"
That wasn't implied. Celebration goes hand-in-hand with honoring the date and so it is to be expected, but what I was referring to is when the lemmings skip the honoring and get right to the drinking.
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We live in a world where everyone has their own agenda, you just cant help some people.
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What are you talking about?
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Dustin: I'm glad to see you enjoy your freedom.
Anonymous: I never said there wasn't anything wrong with it. Just do like Josh implied and take the time to remember what the day is all about. Same thing with ANY holiday, for that matter.
Arthur: I couldn't agree more.
Matt: I'm with Josh... What are you talking about?
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Everyone has their own agenda on July 4th is probably what Matt meant. He has a point. Not all civilians appreciate the troops. I wish they did because like Josh said it's not their fault.