It’s that time of the year again where we will be celebrating this country’s Independence Day. We are already planning backyard barbecues, our patriotic wardrobe, and what red, white, and blue dessert we’ll be making. Fireworks are being purchased, and swimming pools are being cleaned.

I, for one, think this country is amazing and that it deserves to be celebrated. However, it is so easy to get caught up in the celebration that we forget to think about what we are really celebrating. I ask you to remember these 4 things while celebrating the 4th of July. 

#1 The Woman Behind the Scene

Today there is a wife who celebrates this day without her husband being near. She makes the red, white, and blue dessert, gets the kids dressed in their patriotic best, and takes them to the family barbecue. She laughs with her family and watches her kids as they set off fireworks. She does all of this while not quite feeling like herself. Her other half is across the world protecting her country. He is sacrificing making memories with his family so that her family, and many others, can celebrate this day.

#2 The Son Who is Too Young to Remember 

Today there is a young boy whose father left for war before he was old enough to build memories with his dad. He won’t remember his dad when he returns. He’ll think he is a stranger and will cling to his mother when approached by his dad. But… one day this boy will be a man. A man who looks back on what his father did for this country and thinks of his father as a hero.

#3 The Lonely Soldier 

Today there is a soldier whose only encouragement is a small picture he carries with him. A picture of his wife and daughter. Sometimes this is the only thing that keeps him going. He witnesses and goes through things we will never understand. He does it for the people in that photo and for us. He does it so that we can continue being free.

#4  The One Who Died

Today there is someone… someone who paid the ultimate price so that we can celebrate the many freedoms that we so easily take for granted.

Please celebrate this day. Celebrate with your family. Shoot a ridiculous amount of fireworks, wear your patriotic outfit, make your red, white, and blue dessert, and eat your BBQ. Just don’t forget that this day, and your freedoms, would not exist without those men and women in history who fought for us, and those who still fight today.

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