July 4th

I enjoyed an all-American 4th of July this year. On the evening of the 3rd, my wife and I went with my son and his family to the Millington fireworks display at the naval base. Since Mike is the Executive Officer of the base, we were able to sit in the VIP section, quite near the launching pad for the fireworks. And we were treated to B-B-Q and the fixin’. The event isn’t sponsored by the Navy, but by the city with the Navy as honored guests. The fireworks were outstanding and the weather was perfect.

The next day, our neighborhood put on its annual parade of people, strollers, riding mowers, decorated dogs and bikes. It’s led by a firetruck up a nearby street to someone’s big yard where we have a pot luck lunch. The firetruck sprays water for the kids to play in and prizes are awarded for various categories of decorations. Then we stuff ourselves and go home.

Two years ago, Mike was then Executive Officer of Diego Garcia, a Naval base in the Indian Ocean. Diego is British Territory with the U.S. leasing the island as a base. But the Brits have a presence there. Mike said maybe his best ever 4th was on that base! The Brits were good sports about it all.

When Carol and I were on vacation some 23 or 24 years ago, we were in Williamsburg in August. They re-enacted the arrival and reading of the Declaration of Independence. Took that long for it to be printed up and travel the several hundred miles from Philly to Williamsburg. It was a grand day for the colonies—or rather the new republic—and we enjoyed being a part of it.

Great days and great memories, but more happened as well. On the afternoon of the 3rd of July this year, Mike and I went to the cemetery to visit my father’s grave on the anniversary of his birth. We looked at a government issued tombstone that reminded us he was a corporal in WWI. And I have two brothers who lie in military cemeteries with similar gravestones from WWII. All three fought to assure that the liberty won for us so long ago is kept safe.

It would be wonderful to have every neighborhood do what ours did. Or to have people stop and remember why we’re off from work and enjoying a long weekend. But I know such a celebration or such a reflection is an exception and not the rule. Most of us are too busy or too jaded to stop and be mindful. Most of us seem to take our liberty for granted, as if we’re entitled to it. And maybe we are entitled. But isn’t it just polite to be thankful even for those things for which we’re entitled?

Peace,

Jerry+