I am doing this website and room once again for all Americans who are celebrating The 4th Of July 2008.
I originally started doing this as of last year and you can read that story by following this link
Now you see why the website and the room on Paltalk have been created.
Many families and friends will be celebrating outside of the internet having there BBQ's and bake outs, also watching the fireworks, this room has been created to give the people of USA a chance to celebrate with there family and friends online and yes hopefully with some of the troopers, depending on where they are and the circumstances.
Nothing is ever a guarantee as I have experienced in the past.
I went searching for some history or to find a story that had been written by an American who had experienced The 4th of July, and this is what I have come up with.
Many of you may agree with the writer and associate with her past, present and the experienced she talked about.
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In the U.S.A. the 4th of July means freedom. In these days of world turmoil nothing brings out feelings of patriotism like bringing out the red, white and blue decorations and thinking of all of the men and women who serve our country, many of them far away from home.
We all are painfully aware that "Freedom is not free." While the "4th "brings out our reflective side, it also makes us realize it is time to plan for fun times with friends and family. So start hanging those red, white and blue decorations and start planning.
In our family we have a couple of traditions that we all look forward to each 4th of July. We plan our annual family picnic with our version of the perfect potato salad, baked beans and the usual assortment of meats done to perfection on the grill. We also add the usual assortment of cookies, cakes, chips and condiments. After the last crumbs have been consumed we like to go out into the night and see the fireworks that light up the night in Southern California. It is often a wild and crazy experience. A few cities here in Orange County allow the sale of what are known as "Safe and Sane" fireworks and many people purchase and use them. Not always in a necessarily Safe and Sane manner though. Because Orange County lies so close to the Mexican border and the purchase of fireworks are legal there and in near by Nevada we have our share of illegal fireworks lighting up the sky too. Other than state approved "Safe and Sane fireworks," in the cities that allow them, the private use of fireworks is prohibited throughout the state of California. If you are caught possessing or using them you face stiff penalties and fines. That really doesn't stop many people from gathering their families together and doing their own version of a patriotic pyrotechnic display. It is crazy, but lots of fun to watch from a safe distance.
Like so many others the 4th Of July has always been a time of celebration and fun for me. Growing up I never looked at it as more than a day for picnics, parades swimming and fireworks. I knew that I was supposed to be respectful during the 4th Of July parade when the flag passed and show respect to the men in the VFW and American Legion uniforms but I never quite understood why.
Many years later, I have a child of own and I know the significance of the flag that passes me during the parade and the men that carry come rain or shine. I know that the 4th Of July means much more than simply the celebration and that the celebration comes with a very hefty price. My daughter knows the price all too well as her father missed a year of her life so we could celebrate the 4th Of July as a free people. She understands the significance of a uniform and the men and women who wear them. She knows she lives in a free country because children just as herself watched their father or mother go off to war and she knows not all are as lucky as she has been because some parents don't make it back.
The 4th Of July is not just another long weekend or an excuse to have a family get together instead it is about the flag that all too often flies at half staff in honor of those who willingly gave their lives so she could fly high and proud not only on the 4th Of July but every single day. It's about the mother who was the Grand Marshall in our home town parade mourning the loss of her Marine son, it's about the Vietnam Veteran's who came home to be treated like dirt to so many who still stand proud to be American and it about all of the men and women who are too far from home on the 4th Of July to watch any kind of fireworks from a safe distance to ensure that we are able to sit in our backyards, along the streets and in the town squares to celebrate the birth of a nation that has been divided for all to long.
On this 4th Of July when you line your streets to watch the parade, I can only hope that for just a moment you remember to stop whatever you are doing as the flag and your hometown veteran's pass to give them the respect they do richly deserve but if you don't take that moment, I pray you remember to be grateful for that right. As on this day of celebration or any other day in America you are not required to show respect to either her flag or her veteran's because you live in a country that gives you the freedom to make your own choice and if you choose to ignore or even show disrespect you have that right by law to do as you wish.
As for me: I will stop what I am doing to honor my flag and my veteran's and remember that with the freedom that I so richly enjoy everyday of the years comes a price. Some may ask if the price is truly worth the loss but my answer comes in the face of the Veteran who can barely walk yet stands tall and never misses a step as he carries a flag that will leave his muscles aching and his body tired at the end of the day. In that mans face, I never miss the pride, honor and genuine love for his country. Remember these men and women this 4th Of July and honor them by enjoying and appreciating every precious moment of your freedom every day of the year.
July 4th is the time to celebrate our freedom and independence as well as a time to reflect on and remember those who serve in all branches of our military at home or abroad. Yet this year it seems hard and harder to find good old-fashioned, family oriented festivities!
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I hope you enjoyed, reading this as I did.
I do hope to see you all in both rooms as advertised and be a part of having a great time with us.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to stop by and most of read the enclosed.
bravenet.com
