Independence day. Fireworks. Accidental fires. Barbecues. It's the Fourth of July and I can't help but wonder if this is just another Hallmark holiday greeting card occasion. July 4th marks the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Thomas Jefferson wrote much of the Declaration of Independence which served as a formal announcement that the 13 American colonies were no longer part of the British Empire. It declared their freedom and independence. The early Americans celebrated their freedom and independence on July 4th by modeling their party after the king's birthday celebration.
Fast forward to present day. How many people know that Independence Day is a celebration of a country's freedom rather than some movie? Every 4th of July, I think about our soldiers, past and present, who continue fighting to uphold the Declaration of Independence. When I start to get angry about all the killing and war, I never ever blame it on a soldier. Just as in years past, the order comes from above, and our history is a bloody one. I salute you all.
What I wonder mostly is about all the soldiers who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and cannot even enjoy the boom-boom-flash-colors of the exploding fireworks celebration. How many men and women are re-traumatized by the sounds of explosions? I do wholeheartedly believe in this country's freedom and independence, and I hope that the likes of George Bush, who has urinated on the rights of privacy in the name of war, will not be the domino that started the ultimate downfall of the U.S.; a back turned to the founding father's Declaration of Independence.
To all the service men and women thank you for the freedom to write this (even though the NSA can now scoop it up without a warrant). On this Independence Day thank a soldier for your freedom and make a toast to Thomas Jefferson.