Beech Tree News Network

Independence Day is nearly here. As Martina McBride sang, “Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing!” (Independence Day lyrics). I’m looking forward to this day that I associate with patriotism, family, food, and fireworks.

 Patriotism

The 4^th of July is a day to celebrate our nation’s independence and show our patriotic spirit. We are blessed to have been born in this country. One way to show out patriotism is displaying our national flag – something I like to do on this day. Many have expressed their views about patriotism; some are listed below (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_patriotism4.html#1dqBDssG...):

·         Intellectually I know that America is no better than any other country; emotionally I know she is better than every other country. --Sinclair Lewis

·         True patriotism isn't cheap. It's about taking on a fair share of the burden of keeping America going. --Robert Reich

Families often celebrate by hosting or attending a picnic or barbecue, taking advantage of the day off.

Family and Food

The 4^th of July is an opportunity for many of us to spend time with family and friends. After all, family is important; family values tend to guide our lives. Psychologists have said that a child learns most things in life from family (http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/13683/1/Importance-of-Family-in-Our-...). Two comments about teaching children are worth thought:

·         Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn. --Benjamin Franklin

·         The important thing is to teach a child that good can always triumph over evil. --Walt Disney

The 4^th of July is not only an opportunity to instill in our children an appreciation for our freedom, but also an opportunity for a friends-and-family gathering. I associate the day with food: barbecue, grilled foods, watermelon, ice cream…. My family celebrates Independence Day by enjoying one another’s company, eating more food than we need, and watching fireworks. We’ve been doing this for about 30 years.

Fireworks

The 4^th of July and fireworks seem to go together. Wikipedia reported that fireworks were invented in 7th century China and eventually spread to other cultures and societies. According to ehow.com, fireworks were first used to celebrate July 4th on July 8th, 1776 (http://www.ehow.com/about_6393338_did-become-4th-july-tradition_.html). In spite of their beauty, fireworks can be dangerous. “In 2012, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 8,700 fireworks-related emergency-room visits—60% of these occurred June 22–July 22….Experts recommend leaving the fireworks spectacle to the professionals...” (http://www.infoplease.com/spot/fireworks1.html#ixzz35tcXyHRK). Over the past week, I’ve heard and seen a few fireworks in the community and look forward to those at the park on the 4^th.

This red-white-and-blue day is one of my favorite days of the year. I hope you enjoy family and friends, food, and fireworks. Like Martina McBride sang, “It's Independence Day!” (ww.metrolyrics.com/independence-day-lyrics-martina-mcbride.html); let’s give thanks for our freedoms.