Happy Fourth of July! Happy Freedom Day!
On the Fourth of July as a child, I walked to the park with my older brother in the morning and attended an all-day celebration. We ate cotton candy and hot dogs until we could not eat another bite, then we played games and eventually watched a fireworks display. These Fourth of July celebrations are some of my fondest childhood memories.
When I was a child, I did not fully understand or appreciate the reason behind the celebration, though. To me this holiday meant food, games, fireworks and spending time with my older brother.
But now I understand what the Fourth of July is all about. Freedom, gratitude, and citizenship.
When I was a child, I did not see the television news about the countries where people were not free like I was. Countries where it is not safe for a child to walk to the park to play or even walk to school. Places where children hear guns blasting constantly and where families cannot just go to the grocery store to buy whatever food the family wants to buy.
As an adult, I do watch the news. Although I have never been to these places where freedom does not exist, I now appreciate my freedom.
When I was a child, I did not have much in my own home to be thankful for. But my grandma taught me to be thankful for what I had and so I was appreciative of everything I had. I did not understand then the depth of just how much I should appreciate my life and my freedom.
Now I am an adult and I do appreciate my freedom and all of the soldiers who have fought to protect it.
When I was a child, I did not understand that I was a US citizen and everything that means. I did not understand that good citizenship means being truthful to others as well as following the laws of this land.
However, as an adult I understand my responsibilities as a US citizen. Every day I follow the laws of my state, city, and country and I am truthful to others.
This year I will celebrate the three things that this day means to me—freedom, gratitude, and citizenship. Also, I will fondly remember how I spent the day with my brother at the park.
I know I will have a happy freedom day no matter what I do because of what I celebrate in my heart. And I hope you have a happy freedom day too.
Let the encouraging words in these near a river posts help you
soar like an eagle above life’s storms.
Thank you to every US veteran, especially today!
Think about the soldiers and veterans today.
Honesty is part of being a good citizen.
Happy Fourth of July, everyone!