Celebrate Fireworks and Freedom Day

Saturday July 4, 2009

I am a serious, unrepentant fireworks fan and I look forward to the 4th of July for the fireworks. But, July 4th is more than a holiday celebrated with fun, food, friends, family, and fireworks. It is a celebration of the founding of the United States of America.

Tuck this idea away for next year, but a company I know sponsors a cookie cook-off for the 4th of July. Entrants must feature red, white, and blue. Lots of people make flags, but they don't necessarily win.

Remembering Independence Day Roots

I'd like to take a moment today to remember the events that created this annual celebration. I like time off from work spent with friends and family as much as you do, but this day, its historical importance, and its profound impact for the future of all humanity must be recognized.

The United States may vacillate between focusing on internal or external politics and policies, but we are truly a leading and exemplary citizen of the world. Our Independence Day gives hope to people who lack basic freedoms. You'll want to take a look at Robert Longley's History of the Declaration of Independence. It's a concise view and timeline of the events leading to the celebration we hold today.

It starts with, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." -- The Declaration of Independence. We strive to live these beliefs in our workplace. Do you?

With this in mind, I wish you a happy July 4th weekend. Never forget, however, the importance of Independence Day in our history as a nation, the importance of Independence Day to our future as a nation, and the importance of Independence Day in providing hope to the non-free world.

And, yup, I like having the day off from work, too. Oh, and did I mention fireworks - and parades and grilling?

_{Image © Michael Smith}

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