Independence Day in the USA. A real taste of Americana for those lucky travelers to be in the Unites States of America at this time. A holiday celebrated in the summer time which brings families, friends and neighbors together. In our backyards barbecue grills are fired up. Food and drink are bountiful. Laughter can be heard everywhere while children run around shouting with joy enjoying the frivolity of the day. But then as the sun slowly disappears from the sky a certain change of mood takes over. People gather at large fields in their town, in my town the local Catholic church, where preparations are made for a fireworks display that will be sure to dazzle the young and entertain the crowds. The significance of it though is much more than just a reason to have a party.
Living in an area where many of the battles of the Revolutionary War were fought forces one to remember and reflect regularly. The tyranny and abuse of power that drove, what were peaceful intelligent men to be forced to bear arms, was the match that lit the fuse to this great experiment. The United States was born through much bloodshed and hardship and still stands tall after 239 years. My prayer for this celebrations is that the gifts and rights of freedoms for which the founders fought for not be forgotten. If the Constitution set forth by these brilliant men is disregarded the country will lose its character and become mired in conflict. It seems sometimes we are already on this path. So as the pyrotechnics boom and illuminate the night sky let that be a reminder to all men and women of good will that justice and freedom must be fought for and defended. And much more importantly we must be on guard within our borders and halls of justice as well.
Happy Fourth of July!