Freedoms

One July 4th our well-to-do neighbor put on a firework show for his family and friends. He was kind enough to inform those in the area to plan on enjoying the fireworks from our decks or lawns. It was a beautiful night so we invited our grandchildren to come. We were amazed to have the explosions of light and color right over our heads. We "ooh"ed and "awe"ed at the wonderful fireworks display. We were very thankful to our neighbor for his kindness.

Independence Day is a time to celebrate the freedoms we are fortunate enough to have in America. We have the freedom to worship, to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, freedom of speech, and so much more. Fireworks are a tradition for July 4th. Each 'boom' and light explosion can represent those who fought for our freedoms.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord," (Psalm 33:12 NIV).

Our National Anthem was officially proclaimed in 1931 as "The Star Spangled Banner" written as a poem by Francis Scott Key in 1814.

"Oh say can you see, by the dawn's early light what so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled, banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"

Thank you to all who have served to protect our freedoms. May you enjoy your freedoms today. God bless you.