Born in the USA

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, Independence Day.

Many people are under the mistaken assumption that it was the day we gained our Independence from Great Britain.  Actually, that date was much later.  The fighting mostly ended with the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781, however, the Treaty of Paris, in which we are recognized by Britain as a sovereign nation, was not until November 1783.

Freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, for all of us, is much like that.  It takes time.  It starts with the ideas.  It grows with plans and actions.  It needs time to develop to its complete fruition.

Fundamentalists, extremists, of all sorts, not just those of an Islamic background, some within our own borders, most not, aim to snuff out the very ideals that began this great country. 

Tomorrow, take time to remember all of those on the frontlines of these new battles, great and small.  And, remember, freedom is not 'free', a concept voiced by Ben Franklin, long ago.

I salute these men and women of our Armed Forces.

I hope that you will do so, too.

be well,
Dawn

Tags: July 4th, 4th of July, Independence Day, Revolutionary War, Armed Forces, salute, freedom, honor, blogplug