Almost my whole life when I thought of the Fourth of July images of huge displays of fireworks in glorious colors accompanied by very loud booms came to mind. If I thought more carefully I'd think of our country's fight for independence, which was sort of like growing up and wanting freedom from our parents wasn't it? When we got past the you can't be the boss of me stage we became friends again. With two wars taking our young people in the name of freedom I can't help but make the connection of our intense desire as a nation to protect our rights and freedom and even dream that others can enjoy it, too, to our annual holiday.
However, the reality of war's fireworks are not filled with wonder and children putting hands over their ears and laughing at the concussion they feel in their stomachs. A basic human right and desire is to have freedom over one's own destiny. Man since the beginning of time has fought over food, land, women, possessions and perhaps most of all he's desired power over others. I guess we can't expect things to change especially with our earth's resources becoming more and more scarce, but isn't that exactly why we have to change?
My plan for this post was way different and perhaps would've been more fun to read, but these are my thoughts as we come up on another Fourth of July with the Red, White and Blue.
Warmest and proudest thoughts go out to our military men and women and their families. Your sacrifices and willingness to go to the call of duty by our country are always appreciated and admired by me.
See what the Red, White and Blue means to other participating UWIB members:
Rita - HandmadeBits4u
Judy - WellSpringCreations
Linda - CapeCodJewel
Trudy - MommaGoddess
Wendy - VintageDay
Ann - HarvestMoonbyHand
Miriam - GoldCrestBags
Robin - NestlingsbyRobin
Cory - AquarianBath
Audrey - AudreyGardenLady