The 4th of July

When I think of the 4th of July, I think of Flag Ceremonies, Family, Friends, Food, and Fireworks.  The early morning flag ceremonies and breakfasts that I attended during my childhood made an impression on me.  I could feel the love and patriotism that my parents and grandparents had for this wonderful country that we live in.  I felt my own love of country and great appreciation for those who have defended her and our freedoms.  I had the opportunity to hear veterans of WWI and WWII share their experiences. My heart thrilled as the flag was raised and all in my hometown stood quiet and at attention with our hands over our hearts and tears in our eyes.


I love the United States of America.  I cherish the freedoms we enjoy.  I hope my children know and understand how important those freedoms are and what a privilege it is to live in a free country.

America For Me by Henry Van Dyke

'Tis fine to see the Old World and travel up and down
Among the famous palaces and cities of renown,
To admire the crumblyh castles and the statues and kings
But now I think I've had enough of antiquated things.

So it's home again, and home again, America for me!
My heart is turning home again and there I long to be,
In the land of youth and freedom, beyond the ocean bars,
Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars.

Oh, London is a man's town, there's power in the air;
And Paris is a woman's town, with flowers in her hair;
And it's sweet to dream in Venice, and it's great to study Rome;
But when it comes to living there is no place like home.

I like the German fir-woods in green battalions drilled;
I like the gardens of Versailles with flashing foutains filled;
But, oh, to take your hand, my dear, and ramble for a day
In the friendly western woodland where Nature has her sway!

I know that Europe's wonderful, yet something seems to lack!
The Past is too much with her, and the people looking back.
But the glory of the Present is to make the Future free--
We love our land for what she is and what she is to be.

Oh, it's home again, and home again, America for me!
I want a ship that's westward bound to plough the rolling sea,
To the blessed Land of Room Enough, beyond the ocean bars,
Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars.

That being said, I didn't get any pictures of our day but we did have a nice Independence Day.  We started it out with a Waffle Breakfast and Pinewood Derby with our ward family.  


Stephen and Devyn got a group of people together to go shotgun shooting at Markham Park.  Derek was working that day and got to launch the clay pigeons for their group.


I spent the afternoon preparing for our evening BBQ.  Some friends came over and we enjoyed a yummy BBQ, visiting, some games, playing in the pool and fireworks.


A very nice day spent with family and friends.