245th anniversary of the 4th of July

 Happy 4th everyone. I hope you have a great one with friends and relatives celebrating our country's independence from British rule 245 years ago. It was a HUGE step taken by our Founding Fathers and debated heavily between them how it was going to happen. And when the Declaration was declared, the Brits responded with a war. Many brave men and women fought and died to keep us free, and still do. 

The Constitution came later, actually signed on the 2th of July, stated the rights of the people and sworn those rights would be upheld as long as this country exist. Yes, there have been additions and some changes, but they are still our "law of the land". Of course the interpretation of those laws are finally settled by the Supreme Court. But even those interpretations are seen differently by different segments of people and political parties. But the point is, today is a celebratory day in the United States. Did you get that? UNITED STATES, not divided states. Today we should come together to celebrate our freedom and blessing to be a citizen of this great country.

My 5 times great father (Arnold) fought in the Revolutionary War, after immigrating here from Scotland in 1750. If fact, except for one, every male in my father's blood line (Schell/Shell) served in the military, up to, and including myself. I am VERY proud of that. Them, and so many ours who served are my heroes. One other hero I have is my divorced single mother who raised me.

To me, the 4th is a time to remember, celebrate our freedom and spend quality time with friends and relatives over good food and laughter. Today we will spend with our youngest grandson who was born 10 years ago. He is my 'fire cracker'. He asked Nancy for a chocolate cake (of course), and her Mexican Chili for his birthday dinner. Nothing like chili and cake on your birthday.

When I think of the 4th, I think back to my childhood which could mean, watermelon, homemade ice cream, sparklers and fireworks at night, parades, corn on the cob, grilling hamburgers and hot dogs etc. The best was eating a cold slice of watermelon and spitting the seeds at my cousins. Sorry if I hit some of you.

What memories do you have of your childhood 4th of July?

Even tho we are free from oppression, we still have laws and moral obligations to keep this United States. UNITED and free for all people, no matter your color, race or religion. 

Let's all celebrate the UNITED STATES and the privilege we have to live here.

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