Why I Love the 4th of July



Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2008

by
Black Oak Farm

I love America. There, I said it out loud, I shout it to the world. And I have always enjoyed the 4th of July.

We grew up in a patriotic family, proud of our country and excited about celebrating it once a year. I remember cookouts and softball games, swimming and watermelon, and all the fun things that kids enjoy. I have great summer memories. As an adult, July 4th has come to have new meaning.

Our country has certainly been through trials in the last few years, with natural disasters, wars in foreign countries and a presidential election that can only be described as exhausting. There are many that are not proud of our country. When you look at our country at the macro level, what has been accomplished in such a short period of time, how can you not be proud? But pride is not what I love the most about our country. What I love most about America is freedom.

I'm not exactly what one would consider a world traveler, but I have been a few places out of the country. And the truth is, I have yet to find a country or another place on earth where I would rather live. I attribute this mainly to the freedoms that we hold so dear. This country was founded on freedoms, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to assembly, and more. But how we use those freedoms is the key. Freedom is a precious gift, something not to be taken lightly or abused.

So on the 4th of July, I celebrate that freedom. I celebrate those who had the strength and wisdom to begin our great country. I celebrate those that have fought to protect that freedom for more than 200 years. And I celebrate the fact that while we are a nation of diversity, on July 4th we can come together and celebrate the one thing that we can all agree on, our American freedom.

I wish you all a Happy 4th of July.

Kim was born in Kentucky, raised in New Jersey and has lived in Virginia since 1982. She works for a software development company in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and enjoys writing about her farm, her family and her work. And, being a mother of 3 ranging in ages from 4-21, Kim enjoys many different perspectives on life. http://www.trainingforce.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)
» left by David Tanguay
3 years 222 days ago.
186 fans.
Good article Kim, I enjoyed reading it. thank you
» left by Kim Bryant 3 years 222 days ago.
5 fans.
Thank-you for your kind words. My family is very patriotic and we feel so fortunate to live in America. Even in tough times, we have so much to be thankful for. Happy 4th of July, Kim Bryant
» left by Rev Michael
from Bresciani
3 years 222 days ago.
Kim, Ain't America grand?? Thanks for your touching and genuine article. It is always good to hear the affirmations of a patriot and someone who appreciates what this country has been and we all pray will continue to be. Happy Fourth of July to You! Rev Michael Bresciani
» left by Kim Bryant 3 years 221 days ago.
5 fans.
Thank-you for your support and patriotism. Happy Fourth of July Rev. Bresciani!
» left by Mike from Home of ignorance, Earth 3 years 221 days ago.
How could anyone with a mind and any sense "love America?" Do you truly have any idea what America, and the world for that matter, stands for? The destruction of the Earth. The misuse of irreplaceable things. Lies and BS for ones own gain. Sex and more sex-it doesn't matter how perverse and disgusting we are. It doesn't matter what diseases we create. Aids came from a man screwing a monkey and then his wife. Overpopulation is the cool thing to do. "How many kids do you want?" "Oh, I love kids! At least 3 or 4" What about the millions starving and dying already? Even in your backyard! Go adopt..and I don't mean adopt from some other country just because it's easier and cheaper. Take care of your own, first. Clean up your backyard then we move on to someone else's. People would rather boast that they have a great job and pretend they are better than others than to actually get their hands dirty and help something in this world!"We are free" "We accomplished a lot" "Things are great" NO. We destroy all things. We screw each other. We lie. We don't care. We get drunk and talk about how cool we are for doing it. We compare ourselves to others and try to act better in some way. We gossip not caring who we hurt. We overpopulate. We abuse our pets. We rape, kill, steal, torture, envy, over eat while many are unable to eat, yes even in America. We are so great. There is no better. P.S. I'm not an unhappy imigrant. I am Irish-German. Born in USA. I have lived a normal life. having what I need and mostly a little bit more. I do not write this out of an over-whelming emotion of anger or sadness. I am not depressed. I am not a stupid teen. I am not any of the things you would assume by reading such an "article." I was simply blessed with the ability to see things for what they truly are. I see the world with unbiased eyes. I know what we are and what we do. I'm sorry if you choose not to see it, too.
» left by Kim Bryant 3 years 219 days ago.
5 fans.
Dear Mike, I appreciate your candid remarks. However misguided they may be. The things that you describe are true, for the world. We are a sinful people, not one of us is without sin. And yet, good things have come from people with positive goals for our lives. Fortunately for you and me both, there are those that have fought for the freedom of speech, which you are obviously taking advantage of. As for the bottom of the barrel behaviors that you choose to describe, there are just as many and more good deeds that we are doing for each other. One example are the good deeds that have been shown time and time again by Americans to those that have suffered from natural disasters here and around the world. I also know what we are and what we do. I'm am also sorry for you if you choose not to see it. If you look for weaknesses and errors in others you will find them every time. Maybe it's time for you to take a look at the good in our country.
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