Dear Neighbor,
People like to throw around “it’s the reason for the season” regarding Thanksgiving or Christmas. Let’s use it this week.
Have you ever stopped to really – no, really – think about the reason for the Fourth of July season? It is the birthday of our great nation, the best the world has ever known. It marks the date our founding fathers successfully declared independence from Britain, even though it could have literally been their death sentence. They, against all odds, told the world that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states.”
John Adams said Americans should celebrate a “great anniversary festival.” In a letter to his wife Abigail he wrote, “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.”
All this is only possible because of the incredible sacrifices from members of our armed services. The men and women of our military not only brought us liberty, but they put their lives on the line each and every day to preserve it. Thank you for all you do.
Let freedom ring this Fourth! There are parades and other festivities throughout the area this weekend and I encourage you to attend them.
Sincerely,
Mark