Fireworks, Barbeques, Picnics, Carnivals, Political Speeches, Baseball Games come to mind when I think of the 4th of July. Red, White and Blue. Sparklers...HOT weather and firecrackers. Homemade Ice Cream and patriotic songs. Locust zinging in the trees. Fireworks after dark and waiting for the finale.
Over the years I was not real big on understanding the Declaration of Independence. As a young child I didn't even know what that was. As a 1972-73 Senior in High School, we were required to take Government for one semester. I had it early in the morning and I was not interested in government...I'd rather be writing Poetry or dragging Main Street in my old car. Trying to look pretty so I'd get the boys to take notice of me. Very immature I'm sure.
The Vietnam War was RAGING on and Nixon was the President...you know where that went...he resigned from office shortly before I got married in August of 1974.
We hold these truths...My head was elsewhere when it came to the depths of the Declaration of Independence......but I had a sparkle and a flare when it came to firecrackers and fireworks on the 4th of July.
I looked forward to celebrating the 4th with homemade ice-cream and sparklers. I still enjoy these simple pleasures at 54 years of age. The meaning of the 4th of July and American Freedoms has changed...seriously changed for me. I can tear up when watching military officers march down the street in a parade.
I shake my head in sorrow when a soldier has been killed in combat...I know I don't pray enough for my country...for the political leadership of this fine country...for the safety of the soldiers...for the safety of my country...our American rights.
'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.'
This senctence from the Declaration of Independence has been called "one of the best known sentences in the English Languages" and "the most potent and consequential words in American history".
I will read the US Declaration of Independence this year...will you join me?
"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer."
God Bless America,
Land that I love,
stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains to the prairies,
To the Oceans, white with foam
God Bless America, my home sweet home...
GOD BLESS AMERICA
MY HOME SWEET HOME!
God Bless America...Land that I love...Stand beside her and guide her.
Have a safe and fun-filled 4th! I'll be wearing red, white and blue.
HaPpY DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY,
~Deanna~
