Tuesday, July 3, 2012

4th of July

It's the 4th of July, America's birthday.  As I write this, Americans in places like Afghanistan, Kuwait, the Horn of Africa and other harsh and dangerous places it is already that day.  Interestingly, I understand that it was actually the 2nd that the Continental Congress voted for independence but ratification occurred on the 4th, thus the reason why we celebrate it then.  Besides, doesn't the 4th of July sound so much better than the 2nd of July?

I remember when I was 7 years old and be celebrated the bicentennial.  I remember seeing a bunch of military displays and getting ice cream on my pants.  I was not exactly sure what was going on, but knew it was kind of a big deal.

Fast forward three decades and change.  A lot has changed.  We've been engaged in a war that has surpassed both the revolution and Vietnam.  We have technology that would cause Jefferson and Franklin to be giddy with excitement.  Could you imagine Ben Franklin with an iPad or Thomas Jefferson with digital music?  Wow!

Tomorrow I will get up, put out the flag, do town stuff with the family and will sit in our court and watch the fireworks.  Happy birthday America! 

Source:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/congress-votes-for-independence