Independence Day 2012

While many will run down to the beach, or over to the lake, or go to Grandma’s to cut a watermelon, others will have no such chances this Independence Day.  No, it is not because of the lack of funds, or desire to stay at home, or even the price of gas (which in some places has dropped below $3.00).  Those who cannot hit the beach, the lake or cut watermelons with families under the shade of a huge oak are the ones who serve in the military stationed around the world.

            The father of three, one of which is the youngest and he has yet to meet, will be on his watch.  A mother of two, married and with a father who is suffering through Alzheimer’s will be on deck in the Pacific Ocean.  A husband will be at a base in Israel, his wife serving as a JAG officer in the Netherlands, and there three children, the oldest girl eight years will be camping with an uncle in the Grand Canyon.

            And the stories go on and on, one after another of families separated because someone has been chosen to fight for the freedoms we as American’s hold so dear, yet take, oh, so for granted.  We live in a country founded on the beliefs of patriotism, free trade and rights for all people; yet we so often forget the ones who have paid the price for such.  As we go along, shooting fireworks and eating home-made ice cream, we forget that someone had to pay a huge price for our freedom.

            Those men who fought valiantly for us to become America paid a large price.  Many lost reputation, businesses and prestige to come to the wilderness of America to forge out a new way, a way of pure freedom.  Those who signed the documents to set in motion the freedoms we have today, were men who sacrificed much for freedom.  I am sure there were some fairly shaking hands and thumping hearts as they signed the document which would severe America from England.

            Yet, over two hundred years later, we enjoy the fruit of the seeds planted those many years ago.  We take full advantage of those things.  As we shop for new cars, buy produce, camp or vacation, attend worship, buy and sell guns we are exercising our freedoms.  A movie, a game, a dinner out, and a stroll through a park are all freedoms given to us by those who served through the years and those who faithfully serve today.

            Wave the flag, enjoy the time with family and friends, but do not take for granted these precious freedoms we have.

            Have a safe and fun holiday!