The Fourth of July

     Along with most people in America I really enjoy the Fourth of July.  Festive foods and atmosphere, what's not to like.  It's the time of year when the asphalt streets seem to want to stick to your shoes and late afternoon brief downpours can occur at any time.  For most of us there is a bit of national pride that comes with the holiday.  There are picnics, parades, and fireworks but those are not what the holiday is really about.  We celebrate the Fourth of July because the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4th 1776.  For the most part those 240 years have been good ones for America but like all nations on Earth America has gone through a few ruff periods.  But as a whole, America has done much to make itself and the rest of the world a much better place.  America continues to stand as a shining example of what mankind can accomplish when guided by the right principles and appropriate morals.
     As we celebrate the Fourth of July most of us will wave the flag in one form or another, attend a parade and maybe get our fill of potato salad and hot dogs. There will be fireworks and other festivities but we all need to take a moment to reflect on this great country and how blessed we are to call it home