On July 2, 1776, the brave and wise men of the second Continental Congress voted for Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.
On July, 4th, 1776, the Congress, risking their very lives, signed the Declaration Of Independence. This was the moment of birth for our great and noble nation. This document, along with our Constitution, may be the greatest in the history of our nation, if not the world.
We have come a long way since that day, 236 years ago, but we still have much to work on as a nation and people. We must be vigilant, for we do have enemies both foreign and domestic, but also always work for that more perfect union that the founding fathers wanted for this nation.
We, as a nation, should never take the freedoms and rights we enjoy for granted. Many, even today, around the world don't have them. Freedom comes with a price. Over the years, countless numbers have given their own lives to maintain what the men who wrote and signed the Declaration Of Independence and Constitution started. Many in my family, both birth and adopted, have served in our military, no matter if they enlisted or were drafted. Many others have served in their own way to help this nation. I believe that my work as a political activist is a form of service to my country. During your own celebrations, please take a moment to remember those who have served and continue to serve our nation in any way.
No matter if you are a Socialist, Green, Democrat, Justice, Independent, Republican, or Tea Party, today is not for partisanship, but to pause and remember that, despite our different views and cultures, we are all Americans.
Being born in Boston, and growing up around New England, I have visited many of the major points of history on the way to becoming our own, free nation. A field in Lexington - Concord, Old North Church, Bunker Hill, Paul Revere's House, Old South Church, the site of the original Boston Tea Party, and many more.
My children and I will spend some time talking about the history and why the 4th of July is special, but we'll be celebrating as well. Although I'm not 100% sure what we'll do, most likely we will have a cook-out of some kind, watch some baseball, take a swim, and maybe even a quick visit to This Is The Place Heritage Park. In the evening, we are going with some friends to Sugar House Park, here in Salt Lake, for Utah's largest fireworks show.
I don't think we'll be setting off any personal fireworks ourselves. It's legal here, in fact this is the first time the new law that allows airrels is in effect. Many government officials are asking people to refrain from setting off fireworks, because it's so hot and dry, and many wild fires are still burning within the state. On top of that, I am sure many people will be setting them off all over the valley and state despite the warning.
"Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. " - Wikipedia
Enjoy your celebration, have fun, and be safe.....
