I hope you are having a great summer. Hard to believe we have another holiday coming up tomorrow (Happy 4th of July). Many of us will meet up with friends & family to celebrate this holiday. That could be just by having a picnic, shooting your own fireworks, or if you live in a metro. area, viewing a fireworks show put on by a church or the city.  Regardless, how you choose to spend it, let's not forget what this holiday's about...

 Looking back on History, I am reminded that the freedom that we have in the U.S.A. wasn't free.  Many U.S. soldiers  have served their country & even gave up their lives through battles  that made us a democracy & has kept it that way.  Living here, I think we sometimes forget about the sacrifices of the soldiers as well as their families.  I do believe that when we think of more recent years, like 9/11/01 (Nobody alive from kids to adults in America should ever forget that day-ask the World Trade Ctr. victim's families-they'll never forget) which brought on a more modern threat of terriorism, it makes us appreciate the U.S. Military (as well as our Allies who help us from time to time), who continue to protect this country & maintain the freedoms that a lot of times we take for granted. Let's also not forget those who have/are serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, & other parts of the world.  Although, it's not on the home turf, it does affect us & it still hurts as much when a soldier gets hurt or killed over there. And it still hurts as much as for the loved one who receives news of the loss of their dad, husband, wife, child, or grandchild.  So, my point in this is to appreciate the freedom that we are so fortunate to have in the U.S.A. (Other parts of the world-wished they had a 1/4 of the freedom that we do). And remember, although you may not always agree with the politics of things (or see a slanted opinion on the news), always remember to support, respect and pray for active duty & reserve soldiers in all branches of the military as well as the veterans. And let's not forget to say "thank you" for their sacrifices. That mistake was made in the past (the Vietnam War).  Let's always let our soldiers/veterans know that they are appreciated!