Freedom has a price! Happy 4th of July to everyone as we celebrate this day. I want to look at the price of the freedom we enjoy!
First, we need to see where this festival day originated.
“On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.”
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
The price is enormous, but do we minimize it on this special day, overshadowed by our traditional celebrations and busyness? Over the years, many American men and women have fought to keep this dream of freedom alive for you and me.
My Family’s Experience
In my family, my dad didn’t serve in the military during World War II—his rating was 4-F because of health issues. Many of his young ranch friend served, so Dad found a way to help out. He worked on many of the ranches in the surrounding area, doing day work, to ease the shortage caused by the young men who fought in that war. He thoroughly enjoyed this time with the different families and told hilarious stories about ranchers I knew.
Both my half-brother and brother were drafted into the Army. I know little about my half-brother’s experience because he was ten years older than me. I know he served in Germany.
However, I knew more about my brother, thirteen months older than me. Drafted at the end of the Vietnam war, he saw no action overseas, but from this, I realized the stress on families. He had severe asthma, and we never thought they would draft him. He ended up staying for the shortest amount of time and regretted it and wishes today he had stayed in until he retired.
My third husband served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, yet had a remarkable experience in the Army Air Corps. He felt totally rewarded for his twenty-five years of service.
Your Experience
So many of you have had tragic losses and given up so much. In facing these, you have paid the highest price, and I honor that today. Thank you so much.
So, what am I saying? Men and women like these identified have provided the freedom we enjoy every day by making our world a safe place to live in. Our great country allowed me, a country girl from Colorado, to pursue my many dreams over the years, and I still chase them today.
In conclusion, this year, take the time to think about all the freedoms you have and maybe take for granted. The price for those freedoms came high—the loss of life, losing limbs, and/or losing time with loved ones. Yes, it’s America’s birthday, but please realize your freedom today to barbecue a hotdog or hamburger, to drink a cold beer and to watch a spectacular celebration of fireworks or a drone presentation, cost someone else something and be grateful.
Do you have military people in your family or know friends who served? If so, have you thanked them for their service? What freedoms do you enjoy the most as an American? What are you willing to give up for the next generations?
~WATCH MY NEW INTERVIEW on Chat & Spin Radio, from Friday, June 24, 2022. Join us for a lively description of all my books!
~MY FIRST AUDIOBOOK IS AVAILABLE: Go to Audible to buy my first audiobook, Let Me Tell You a Story. I’m working on Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better? but have gotten stalled with shingles.
~Do you listen to podcasts? Here are three podcasts with interviews about my new book & some Flippo stories:
- Book Talk–June 3, 2022 –
- Live on Purpose Podcast–March 17, 2022 –
- Zbooks.com–January 19, 2022
- Apostrophes, A Writers Series with Double DD–January 10, 2022
- The On Purpose Podcast–January 10, 2022
~Have you bought a copy of Flippo’s biography yet? Believe it or not—it’s been two years. Go here for your hardback or paperback: https://www.laradasbooks.com or at Amazon.
~For me, it’s Christmas all year long! Here’s a variety of Christmas greetings from Flippo & Neeca, featuring his song, “When It’s Christmas Time in Texas”: https://youtu.be/mpJCUGffU3A
~What happened to you in 2020-2021 during the coronavirus pandemic? Do you care? Are you on a spiritual path? Do you want to heal from the horrible effects of the pandemic of 2020? Visit my website to find out about my new book, Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better? and my other five books and three cookbooks: https://laradasbooks.com
Today is my 41st AA birthday!
I declared my independence on July 4, 1981, having then withdrawn for 90 days from tranquilizer and pain-killer prescription drugs (Esgic). My last alcoholic drink was in December 1980. That time of recovery was incredible! And I never slipped, and don’t count the occasional use of Ibuprofen. My personal inventory in 1980 revealed that my constant headache pain was caused by a tumble down the basement steps and hitting my face on the concrete, when I was 4 years old, all of which caused lifelong TMJ pain.
So-o-o, today I celebrate these added 41 amazing and healthy years of my life.
Joy!
Congratulations to you! That’s a great reason to celebrate! I have 33 years. I knew we really connected.