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Often my family and I were on vacation during the Independence Day holiday. I can remember shooting off fireworks at my grandparents' house, as well as at other relatives' houses.

Occasionally, we would take in a movie to escape the summer heat. Even as a child, I preferred the coolness of the movie thea­ter to the sweltering sun.

Many years later, my brother and sister-in-law moved down the street from my parents. Every year, we gathered at their house to celebrate the holiday with a cookout and fireworks. When they moved away, the celebrations ended.

Even though I still enjoy watching a spectacular fireworks display, that's not what the holiday is about.

With each burst of color in the night sky, with each flag I see flying, with each note of a patriotic song, my heart swells with pride. I'm proud to be an American, and I'm thankful for a day to celebrate that.

I am eternally grateful to those who served and are currently serving our country, especially those who gave their lives for our freedom.

So often we take our freedom for granted, so it's good to have a day to be reminded of how blessed we are as Americans.

Love,
Kate Marchbanks

Together with God:

Happy Fourth of July! What a great holiday. Not only do we get to shoot off fireworks to celebrate being a united nation, but we also get backyard barbecues, parades, and if you're lucky, a pie-eating contest.

I love the Fourth of July, and I love living here more than anywhere else in the world. I know I am blessed to be an American.

When I was a little girl, this month meant I would take off my shoes to run barefoot in the grass, and my mother would caution me to watch out for yellow jackets.

I want to go to a town picnic and eat a slice of watermelon so juicy it drips down my chin and gets sticky in my neck line. I want the weather to be warm enough that the bleachers at the afternoon baseball game are full, but with a soft breeze blowing to cool the sweat.

This is a great country we live in, thanks in part to the men and women who serve in the military. They won't have their backyard grills going this year, and most won't be taking a dip in a pool. Yet, it's their sacrifice that gives us such a glorious holiday.

Father, thank You for this opportunity to celebrate our freedom and the pride we feel in being Americans. Thank You for blessing us with this great country. Be with the members of our military, and give them hope during their darkest moments and joy in their victories. Protect them and bring them home, so we may all celebrate our freedom together. Amen.

- D. Susan Rutz

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