Friday Follies - Independence Day Edition...

Welcome to the end of the week, and what better way to greet it, than to celebrate the 238th year of our independence from British rule.
The Hoosierland weather today will certainly be accommodating with temps climbing into the mid-70s, mostly sunny skies, mild breezes...all in all a great day to get to know some HISTORY.
So go top off your morning cup of PATRIOTISM, as we get the show rolling into our 239tTH YEAR of freedom.
*** First off the flagpole today...you DO have our flag out, right?
I mean, nothing says FREEDOM than to see Old Glory in the breeze, hmm?
Probably the most important symbol of our nation, aside from the bald eagle, and it is there to remind us that freedom is never "free"
It's bought and paid for with the sacrifice, blood, and toil of brave men and women who fight for liberty under the banner OF that flag.
It's the COURAGE displayed by the everyday man or woman.
It's the FAITH such people display when embracing their Americanism.
And, it's the HOPE that they will be able to continue enjoying the freedoms and liberties that were embraced by those who founded this nation all those years ago.

Here is the WIKI on the 4th of July:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)
There you will find not only the history behind today, but the timeline of observances.
What is troubling though, is that today has become inclusive of such "events" as the Nathan's hot dog eating contest in Coney Island (started in 1972).
Now, while hots dogs are "all American", the REAL meaning of this day seems to get lost while contestants pig out for prizes.
Then, there are all the "sales" events at various stores.
In many ways, we have supplanted one form of celebration for another, and they are NOT as much alike as we would prefer to believe.
*** Next, in many ways we have gotten away from much of the meaning of today, and while fireworks, barbecues, parades and such DO serve to imbue a sense of "festiveness" to the day, it's a far cry from 1776...or even 1787 (when our Constitution was adopted).
The only marking of this day back then, was a THIRTEEN gun "salute" at sunrise and sunset in Bristol Rhode Island, in observance.
NO one was really "partying down" on this day for some time from 1776 forward.

They were too BUSY fighting, and in many cases dying for freedom from England.
After the Revolutionary War was over, the founders of this fledgling country and her citizens were busy crafting and adopting the Constitution...a better form of self-governance, and that took time, and also, initially not all the representatives of the original 13 states were on board with it...took a little time to get everyone on the same page.
How we spend today seems SO far removed from then.
I think all of you know how to properly observe today, and will endeavor to preserve that for which this day has become, and how much it means to every one of us who are Americans.
*** Last back to the stables...here are some words from wise people concerning the 4th of July.

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If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under. 
Ronald Reagan

I look forward to a great future for America - a future in which our country will match its military strength with our moral restraint, its wealth with our wisdom, its power with our purpose.
John F. Kennedy

Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory.
George S. Patton

America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.
Harry S. Truman

True patriotism hates injustice in its own land more than anywhere else.
Clarence Darrow

The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.
Alexis de Tocqueville

Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.
Calvin Coolidge

A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.
Edward Abbey

When the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: Liberty, sir, was the primary object.
Patrick Henry

We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.
Abraham Lincoln

If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
George Washington

Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
John Adams

Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.
Thomas Jefferson

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

To announce that there must be no criticism of the president... is morally treasonable to the American public.
Theodore Roosevelt

Our national motto is 'In God we Trust,' reminding us that faith in our Creator is the most important American value of all.
Marco Rubio

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That kinda says it all...or at least most of what needs to BE said, right?
Have yourselves a very good day in knowing WHO we are as Americans and WHY we celebrate.
Also, enjoy the rest of this extended weekend.

Be well, make a difference to someone today, and as always...
Stay SAFE out there, America.