Happy Independence Day

OK now I am a stickler for using proper language and diction when speaking so the correct way to announce one's celebration of today is not to say Happy July 4th but Happy Independence Day. That is the name of today's holiday. It's a tad ironic too since the Articles of Independence were approved on July 2 and only signed by a handful of the members of the Continental Congress on July 4. I can't recall the exact date but I believe it was August until the majority of the members had signed and 1778 when the last signature was affixed.

I do enjoy this period in American history and find it a fascinating time. While these men did a wonderful job with what they created, they are the perfect example of the law of unintended consequences. When they said "All Men are Created Equal" they were thinking of white men and obviously did not consider Blacks or Native Americans among their equals. Still the message they created was one that espoused equality and the chance to let each individual be judged by the content of the character. What they created was far from perfect but if the Founding Father's got one thing right it is that they were wise enough to realize they did not have all the answers and gave future generations the chance to make changes when and where need be.

I love the 4th of July with the BBQ's and Fireworks and even the Patriotic music. I love how this is a day when many new people decide to join the family that is American citizenship. I love how this is a day when people can be proud to be American and can also enjoy all of the benefits of that citizenship which can mean sitting on a beach if that's what you choose. Because America has always been at its core about making a choice or a decision. Be it right or wrong, we have freedom to make it. So Happy Independence Day everyone!