July 4 - Let's Celebrate!

Iwo Jima Monument, Washington, DC
personal photo taken 1968

July 4 is a day for parades, family picnics, fireworks, and wearing red, white, and blue.  It is also a day to remember our country's history and the freedoms we enjoy each day.

I feel a sense of gratitude for those ancestors who were willing to fight in the Revolutionary War and subsequent military conflicts, relatives who left another country under political duress and come to America, those who were part of the westward migrations in our country's history, those who chose to immigrate to this country and start a new life,  those who have served as elected officials, and all the teachers, farmers, ministers, and shopkeepers who populate our family trees.  All of you are part of America's history.

We've got a lot to celebrate!