Freedom is not Free for the Taking

United and free since 1776.

Today is our country's birthday, we celebrate the independence of our great Nation. While everyone is running to parades, stopping at the store for last minute food items to take to a BBQ, grabbing those sparklers at the fireworks stand, I hope the flag is flying high in honor in your yard. Put on a red/white/blue shirt, show those colors in ribbons in the hair or a hat, but no matter what plans are happening; stop. Stop and remember why we celebrate. It is Independence Day for the USA! Pay respect to those who have risked life, been injured or even died to defend the United States of America. Because of those brave souls, we can celebrate today.

We are land of the free, because of the brave!

Celebrate with the ringing of bells; let freedom ring.

Celebrate with fireworks to symbolize the rockets red glare, bombs bursting in air.

Be sure your flag is flying full, wear red/white/blue to show off and symbolize our flag and be proud of it. The broad strips and bright stars through the perilous fight.

If you are at a baseball game or parade and the National Anthem plays, be still, be quiet and salute. This is our song as a Nation. From the poem Francis Key Scott wrote during the civil war times. A time when Americans turned to music to express feelings, ideals and values.

Why do we honor our flag and hold it high with pride? Our flag symbolizes the 13 colonies and 50 states of the union. Red for the hardiness and valor, white for purity and innocence, blue for vigilance, preseverance and justice. The 9 point star for perfection in tradition in the bible; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness and self control.

This is what our country is based on, everything picked for perfection of our flag, Old Glory, to symbolize what America is built on and what to be an American stands for. So stand for our flag, stand for our National Anthem and stand for the USA. Anything less, you don't deserve to be here and BBQ'ing or lighting off fireworks. Its not about a play day, its about why we celebrate today in play. If you are not proud to be an American, don't celebrate today and our doors to exit are always open, you have that freedom.

Freedom comes with a price, its not really free and for the taking.