Beech Tree News Network

July 4th is a busy time at my house. We traditionally have extended family and friends come for a meal and to watch the evening fireworks. We’ve been doing this for more than two decades, and each Fourth of July has been a blessing.

July 4th – Independence Day in the U.S. – celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 which declared independence from Great Britain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_%28United_States%29). This year, we mark 239 years since the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence. Many have commented on the Fourth of July holiday or our country’s freedoms; some of those comments are below (http://www.quotegarden.com/; http://www.brainyquote.com/):
•    May it be long before the people of the United States shall cease to take a deep and pervading interest in the Fourth of July, as the birthday of our national life, or the event which then occurred shall be subordinated to any other of our national history. -Samuel Freeman Miller
•    My early childhood memories center around this typical American country store and life in a small American town, including 4th of July celebrations marked by fireworks and patriotic music played from a pavilion bandstand. -Frederick Reines
•    You can protect your liberties in this world only by protecting the other man's freedom. You can be free only if I am free. -Clarence Darrow
•    Let freedom never perish in your hands.  -Joseph Addison
•    Freedom is never free. -Author Unknown

I asked friends and family whether the Fourth of July is a special day for them and if so, what makes it special. Two responded by simply saying no; others responded by saying:
•    It is a special day. It’s a day for getting together with family and friends and celebrating the greatest country in the world!
•    The Fourth of July is always special to me. I enjoy seeing everyone and watching fireworks.
•    Yes! We look forward to and love our big family reunion! But, also we celebrate the patriotic part with fireworks, etc., knowing that a lot of people have died and sacrificed for our freedom. It’s just a very special day that we enjoy.
•    Yes! It’s one of my favorites! I love summertime and cookouts and people and fireworks; so, it’s a good day for me.
•    Fourth of July brings to mind fond memories of large family gatherings in our house, Catfish festival booths, terrapin races, and fireworks beside lightening. I have especially clear visions of our table covered in food, my dad sitting in a dunking booth and hearing my aunt saying "ooh" and "ahh" after each firework. We also celebrate my son's and grandmother's birthdays then, so I always look forward to Independence Day.
•    Yes, the Fourth of July is a reminder of the freedoms we have and of those who sacrificed for those freedoms. On the Fourth, we may choose to have a hamburger, a hot dog, or something else – a small example of the freedom we have. We should be thankful the other 364 days of the year, and the Fourth serves as a reminder.
•    I have fond memories of celebrating the Fourth at my aunt and uncle’s house. They always had a large family get together.
•    The family gathering at my aunt’s house that I’ve gone to every year as long as I can remember!
•    Your party is always fun. I still miss that. I love the concerts in DC – always bring tears to my eyes. Patriotism is so very important!
•    Family and friends, a heroic history, and the knowledge that freedom is still valued in this world….
•    Yes, because it is a great reminder to every one of our independence and why we should be proud to be Americans. Also, I love the family bar-b-que we have on the 4th and gathering together to watch the annual town fireworks show.
•    The 4th of July is not a particularly special day for us (other than for the obvious reasons). Of course, we gather and cook out and have fireworks. We reminisce on days past and make more memories together to add to that bank.
•    The Fourth of July is special to me because I get to be with close family and extended family. I love the food and the fireworks, too!

Over time, the Fourth of July has become one of my favorite days. Most of my memories of this holiday include my late husband. He enjoyed our family, the holiday meal, and the fireworks. He helped me prepare our house and yard for the day – usually about the time I was losing my patience waiting for him to do those things. But, he also enjoyed the opportunity to be with our community at the Catfish Festival, generally with a camera around his neck, taking pictures of and making notes about various activities/events for the newspaper, and interacting with anyone who had time to talk. Yet, these ordinary activities – now good memories – demonstrate some of the freedoms we enjoy: freedom of speech, freedom of movement and assembly, freedom to own property, etc.

Someone said, “It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you” (http://www.quotegarden.com/freedom.html). As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July once again, I am thankful for our liberties and for our nation’s bounty. Let’s remember that we are blessed.