Happy 4th of July

Happy 4^th Of July From Original US Coins!

As a kid, I loved the upcoming 4^th of July Holiday. Mostly, because it was filled with mischievous opportunities to participate in…fireworks primarily. The 10 days prior were filled with lighting firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman Candles and anything else we could obtain via the assistance of reluctant adults, primarily our parents.

We had such fun. Today, as a grumpy old guy, I would rather the fireworks were allowed between the hours of 6-7:00 PM and only on the actual holiday July 4^th.  

As an adult, particularly with our nation’s divided political views, it is very easy to forget what the 4^th really represents to Americans across this great land. Did you know that nearly ½ a million Americans lost their lives in the nearly 5 years we were involved in the 2^nd World War?  Most of you will quickly head to Google and check my math. I am correct. Or that 50,000 U.S. military men and women lost their lives in the Vietnam conflict (war)? Go ahead, check me. I am correct.

I could go on, even the Chinese (who were, by the way, our ally in World War 2) lost nearly 20 Million of their men, women and children during the WW2 conflict. The Japanese, who are now our allies, were involved in the loss of millions of people across China during WW2.

Here is my point, it is NOT about fireworks, barbeques and cold beer. It is all about celebrating what is still the greatest land and way of life ever known. America, still only a juvenile in the landscape of any comparable countries existence. was founded upon one basic foundational principle – Liberty.

We have always fought against tyranny. Both domestically and abroad. Is it political? You bet. Fighting for our way of life is worth it. But never forget that it has been and always will be a battle. We fight to defend it while others fight to take it away!

The ability to agree to disagree. To speak freely about our government. To publish a simple newspaper, once completely controlled by government. To carry a self defense weapon. To march peacefully against a cause. All of these things never existed in our country just a few hundred years ago.

I don’t always agree with others political views, and honestly, I am not always right about what I believe, but the simple fact that we can make our own way as a country is all because of what millions have fought and died to defend. Our individual freedoms.

This 4^th of July, amongst the fun traditions, remember what makes us so amazingly unique in a world of chaos. I will let you decide what that really is!

Enjoy!

Michael