I’ve read about the Revolutionary War, but I can’t imagine the courage it took to stand up to the King of England and declare the colonies a free and independent country. The signers of the Declaration of Independence not only risked their lives but also their fortunes as they battled their fellow countrymen for the right to self rule. Eight of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were foreign born.
We, well most of the country, celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks and family gatherings. The vote on the document was on July 2, 1776, maybe in Winters, we split the difference by celebrating on July 3 each year, but I would think that we celebrate early because it is cheaper. Some people take the opportunity for an extended weekend to travel to visit relatives, or just to get out of town. For a few it triggers the start of summer vacation and the need to find a place to relax and recharge their batteries.
We should not forget why we are celebrating and the cost to the colonials who gave so much so that we can live the life that we do. Even with all the dissention in the country, everyone should agree that we live in a great country and even if we fight like children at a family reunion, we should all take a moment to remember how lucky we are to live in the United States of America.
You may not agree with the wars that we are now fighting around the world, but it isn’t a stretch to say that our men and women in the military are still fighting for our right to live as we please. When you fly your flag around the holidays, think of our military personnel away from their families and say “thank you for your service” when you see them in person.
Holidays can get in the way of putting out the Express, because Tuesdays are Tuesdays around here. It is the day we get the paper to the printer so you can receive your paper on time. I think the only time we take a Tuesday off is if Christmas falls on a Tuesday and that hasn’t happened in years. Someone raised an eyebrow when I mentioned that we work on the 4th of July. I tell them that we aren’t the only ones toiling on the 4th. A lot of businesses are open with big sales, airports are busy as are restaurants, while fire departments are on high alert. Newspaper presses continue to run into the evenings around the country.
I don’t think the police department is too relaxed either, chasing illegal fireworks and rowdy partiers. Let’s hope that everyone had a nice and safe 3rd and 4th and people behaved themselves like their parents taught them.
Have a good week.
