Category: Fourth of July

America, Fourth of July, Independence Day, Liberty

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!

Dorothy Johnson
July 4, 1776
A Red-Letter Day

The Birth of a Nation

We enjoy a remarkable amount of freedom because way back 240 years ago, a group of visionary men found the courage to declare the birth of a unique nation in the face of incredible opposition. 

What a vision.

How fortunate we are to enjoy the bountiful benefits of their sacrifices and perseverance.


CALL ME GRATEFUL

Today I am especially thankful to have been born in the United States of America where liberty is my birthright.

I didn’t do one thing to deserve it. That’s why I never want to take it for granted nor lose sight of its cost to those who fought for it then and throughout our history.

LET FREEDOM RING

Think about it.

We live in the freest country in the world. People risk their lives every day to come here. They thirst for the liberty we take for granted because they’ve experienced hardships we cannot fathom. For many, the ultimate dream is to become an American citizen.


Old Glory, Long May She Wave











 

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

Ronald Reagan, 40th U.S. President



   MAY WE: 
Remember the Price Others Paid so We could Be Free.

Never Demean Their Sacrifices by Mistaking LIBERTY for LICENSE*. 

Seek Understanding of our Fellowmen.

Put Aside the Desire for Revenge. 

Do Our Part to Promote Unity.

Remain True to our Founding Fathers’ Vision

 Not just Today but Everyday,
May Good triumph over Evil.

*License: Lack of Restraint. 
(Think about the difference.)


…to whom much is given, 

from him much will be required; 
and to whom much has been committed, 
of him they will ask the more.
Luke 12:48B


Please join me in praying for our nation.


 Mighty God, thank you for allowing us to live in this great country. Forgive us when we take our freedom for granted and turn to selfish pursuits. Show us how to be responsible citizens. Change our hearts so we seek to understand others instead of majoring on differences. Help us put on humility so we are able to put aside affronts and lift others up. Lead us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder against hatred and every form of tyranny. I ask these things in the Name of the Mighty Prince of Peace. Amen.

Let the Celebration Begin!
Happy Birthday, Y’All! 

May There Be Songs of Freedom!
And Lots & Lots & Lots of Fireworks!
Firework photos compliments of
Steve Rucker, A Veteran & Patriot!
Thank you, Steve, for everything.
GOD BLESS THE USA!
Copyright © Reflections from Dorothy’s Ridge 2016. All rights reserved
Fourth of July, Independence Day, Uncle Sam

Happy Birthday Uncle Sam!

Dorothy Johnson

I’m thinking of family and friends as we celebrate our nation’s birthday. I have lots of good memories, some may have been with you. I thought I’d share a few.

*      Daddy holds a Roman candle at arm’s length as colored balls of fire fly upward into the night sky. In the background, I hear Mother’s plea, “Be careful, Wilbur!” She’s probably why all I ever got to buy were sparklers, but they were just my speed and so pretty!

*      The boys next door weren’t allowed to shoot firecrackers after Bill tried to smoke one. I wasn’t around when he pulled that stunt, but we figured he had learned his lesson and felt sorry for them missing out on all the pop and bang.

 

*    Fourth of July preparations are big doings for little boys clutching dollar bills while they survey the offerings at the Fireworks stand. How many bottle rockets for a dollar? How much are the cherry bombs and firecrackers? Starting with my brother, I’ve watched three generations go through the ritual. 

*      “Uncle Sam’s birthday calls for a cake,” Grandma tells the little girl perched on the counter with her eye on the rich batter swirling inside the bowl. I know from experience, she’s wondering how much will be left for her to scrape. I can assure her, plenty.
 

 

*      I feel the sweat trickle down my back and the hard ground beneath my bottom as we wait in the sweltering heat with half the state of Arkansas for nightfall. But the thrill of that first starburst lighting up the sky as the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra plays its heart out somehow makes the wait worthwhile.

*    Our extended family acquires a new exclamation as a jubilant six-year-old boy greets every fireworks display with Yippee-Haacha! Now he has children of his own, and it’s still our favorite shout of joy.

To all those who have served our country in the military, I send my heartfelt gratitude.
To those who died for us or have gone on before us, I remember.

And to all my family and friends, wherever you’re spending this Fourth of July, I hope the company is sweet, the burgers and hot dogs juicy, the drinks icy cold, and all the fireworks are Yippee-Haacha awesome! 

What are your favorite memories of Uncle Sam’s birthday?

All these wonderful pictures are courtesy of our neighbor, Steve Rucker. He and Cissy, both veterans, are great neighbors. Over the past ten years, they’ve fed us lots of yummy food and cool libations as we dipped our toes in their beautiful pool. Happy Fourth of July, Ciss and Steve! We love you much!
 
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…
Psalm 33:12a

Copyright © Reflections from Dorothy’s Ridge 2014. All rights reserved