On this day when we celebrate the 238th year since the United States of America became independent, let us come together and pray (or reflect if it is your choice) about the future of our country which at times seems so chaotic.  But is is great to see that people regardless of the situation can come together to celebrate everything that is good about America: its values and people.  Today Mr. Jack and I went to Parkville, MO and had a great time at the 4th of July Parade.


 





We were doing good until the firecrackers and cannons started and then Jack was afraid.  This is my first 4th of July with him and now I know he gets scared by them which is common for some dogs.  So the plan tonight is stay at home during the fireworks.  Luckily, they are less than a mile from where I live and I can see them from the backyard. :)


Celebrations are necessary for the heart and soul.  And while we do celebrate Independence Day today, let us remember this day is more than hot dogs and hamburgers.  It is about celebration of great minds coming together to express their convictions in the minds and hearts of the American people against an oppressing government.


I love how the U.S. Government Archives describes the introduction of the Declaration of Independence:

"Nations come into being in many ways. Military rebellion, civil strife, acts of heroism, acts of treachery, a thousand greater and lesser clashes between defenders of the old order and supporters of the new--all these occurrences and more have marked the emergences of new nations, large and small. The birth of our own nation included them all. That birth was unique, not only in the immensity of its later impact on the course of world history and the growth of democracy, but also because so many of the threads in our national history run back through time to come together in one place, in one time, and in one document: the Declaration of Independence."