Happy Fourth of July!

This holiday falls on Tuesday, and I’ve been hearing fireworks going on since last Thursday. Yes, it’s annoying because most of the dogs in the neighborhood are having fits, including mine. There’s not a lot of sleeping going on at my house.

However, this makes me wonder. Are these people celebrating the Fourth of July or are they celebrating the fireworks? Is it just an excuse to do something loud and exciting?

I could go into great detail about the occasion of our country’s independence, but if the story wasn’t learned in school, what’s the point?

When I grew up we celebrated on the holiday, the fourth day of July, and it renewed our patriotism. It was, and is, a reminder that this country fought for its independence from a foreign power.

Our military has continued to fight for freedom, and along with remembering and celebrating the reason for this special day, we should also remember the men and women who sacrificed so we could be what we are today.

My mother and father were very patriotic, and it rubbed off on me – so am I.

My husband was a patriot, too. One year he brought home a red, white and blue sign and hung it on the front door. It said, “A Proud American Lives Here… With His Little Miss Liberty”. One day I hope to pass that sign on to another patriot who has a little Miss Liberty at home.

There’s a lot going on in America right now – some good and some bad – but I hope in the end people will stop bickering and remember that the Fourth of July represents a time in history when people earned the right to be free.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

CLICK HERE to visit Marja McGraw's website

CLICK HERE for a quick trip to Amazon.com

I'm not promoting a book this week -- just patriotism.

Happy Fourth of July

A lot of books have been written that include holidays. Christmas probably tops the list. While I love Christmas stories, I also enjoy books that include America’s (land of the free, home of the brave) independence and patriotism.

While I might not agree with everything that happens in the United States, it’s my home and I love it. I remember how different things were when I was young, and I recall the stories my parents and grandparents told about growing up here. Those memories, and yours, can often be used in a story. There’s nothing wrong with being patriotic.

We’ve been listening to fireworks for four days (five by the time you read this), and it makes me wonder how many people love the fireworks and tend to forget what they represent – what we’re celebrating.

Just me, but I think it’s important to remember why we celebrate the 4^th of July. Independence as a country is huge in the grand scheme of things. I support our military, I salute the flag, and I loved Mom’s apple pie. Songs from World War II were often patriotic. There’s one called “Comin’ in on a Wing and a Prayer” by the Song Spinners that can bring tears to my eyes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZo7TsFIQdw). America, The Beautiful has the same effect.

My husband once bought a sign that he hung in our garage. It said, “A Patriotic American and His Little Miss Liberty Live Here”. I loved it.

The men and women of this country, both military and just plain citizens, have done everything possible to keep us safe and free. Independence comes at a price that equals nothing else.

Save those fireworks for the 4^th of July. Let them mean something. Let them remind us of what we’re celebrating – The American Independence Day. Visit a park and sit on the green grass while you watch a fireworks display. Hang up your American flags. Join your neighbors for a barbeque topped with friendship (like we used to do, in the “old days”). Sing the national anthem. Give thanks for what we have.

I’ll end this with a funny story. You’ll have to visualize this one. My daughter has a twelve pound Chiwienie (half Chihuahua and half Dachshund) who’s terrified of certain noises, fireworks being one of them. When she hears the crack or the boom, she literally climbs up my daughters chest, onto her shoulder, and up onto her head. Wish I had a video of it.

I wish you all a safe and fun Fourth of July!

Maybe I should sign this Little Miss Liberty. Nah, these are just some thoughts from Marja the mystery writer (whose characters also believe in patriotism).

Until next time, enjoy life.

CLICK HERE to visit Marja McGraw's website
CLICK HERE for a quick trip to Amazon.com

What were things like in 1909? Try Choosing One Moment - A Time Travel Mystery with character. Not your usual time travel story.