Independence Day

Rather than discuss all that is going on in the world right now, I felt I should reflect on the significance of this day.

July 4th to me is the most important date marked on our calender. Independence Day is more than just a title, a blurb in our history, or a holiday. This day identifies the fundamental meaning of our nation; a reflection of what an American truly embodies. It represents a time when extreme action was needed to secure the “radical” ideas of freedom and individual rights. This is a time to recognize what a privilege it is to be an American today, to have the ability to live in the most powerful and bountiful nation in the world.

Two hundred and thirty-one years ago, this nation went to war for words. I say words simply because true freedom, true individualism and true independence were mere myths at the time, not ideas in practice. Inspired by these ideas, our countrymen took up arms in the face of the most powerful empire on Earth and fought for the chance to build a truly great nation.

And here we are, two hundred and thirty-one prosperous years later. Today millions of Americans hopped in the pool, lit BBQ’s and watched fireworks under the night sky. Tomorrow, over 95% of this country will return to work, pay their bills and put food on the table for their families. Hell, many of them will probably hop back in the pool again.

My point today is that many of us take what we have for granted. We glance around at our world and believe that we Americans live in such a mess when in actuality, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Be thankful for those willing to head overseas and fight to defend our freedoms, be grateful that there is air-conditioning in your home, a job waiting for you tomorrow morning, food in your fridge and gas in your tank. Finally, be ever gracious to the 56 men who signed a piece of paper one July 4^th years ago, and the efforts of thousands upon thousands of aspirant Americans who were willing to put up their lives to ensure that the words and ideas on that paper held true.

Happy Independence Day everyone. Be ever grateful, aspire to achieve your dreams, never give up in your efforts, remain stubborn throughout your endeavors, and be proud of it every step of the way...the true traits through history that embody we Americans and can be attributed to our success.