What the Fourth of July means to me
As you all know, I am a Marine Corps Veteran and these celebration holidays always mean a lot to me as I remember the men and women in uniform stuck in foxholes, on ships or submarines. I spent this 4th of July at Seaside, Oregon. It was possibly the best display of fireworks I have ever seen, and I have seen quite a few. Since we are so close to the Washington border, illegal fireworks from Washington find their way to Oregon somehow, there was a steady flow of fireworks from 9 pm to well after 11 pm and next year we are bringing a tent because the traffic leaving Seaside was terrible, as expected, but in hindsight, we should of stayed overnight or at least for a few more hours.
This Fourth of July marked the 233rd anniversary of the birth of our great nation, the day when brave and dedicated patriots signed the declaration that founded our country based on freedom and liberty. This holiday weekend, we should extend our thoughts and reflections on this day, and honor the United States’ continuing commitment to protecting freedom and the spreading of democracy. Since declaring independence from Great Britain in 1776, the United States has risen as the world’s champion of liberty and freedom.
“Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country.” -Lafayette
For more than 200 years, America has stood for freedom, hope and prosperity. As we reflect on the forefathers, who courageously resolved to sever ties with England, we also must remember the men and women who fought so dutifully to defend that decision. We should also take time to honor the sacrifice of all men and women who have worn U.S. military uniforms in the ensuing 232 years. These countrymen (many of you) have served to ensure our freedom and the freedom of people throughout the world. Today you continue to serve, out of uniform but not diminished as we continue this struggle in Afghanistan and Iraq—and we know that freedom and liberty will prevail.
So, on this Fourth of July we mark more than a birthday. We celebrate our God-given rights to liberty and life, and we honor all those who, over the centuries, have been willing to fight and die to keep our country free. Today we are engaged in a struggle as great as any the United States has faced throughout our long and honored history. It is a struggle that is a fight for freedom as was the war fought for independence in 1776. Once again it is a battle for humanity, for the rights of all people, not just Americans, to live in a world free of terrorism and fear.
Lest me forget that freedom is not free,
-Michael
