Another 4th, passes into History

Well my friends, another spectacular 4th of July has passed into history. The grills were full of barbequed delectables. Coolers iced down beer and our favorite pops. Kids ran about screaming and chasing one another. We sat about in our lawn chairs discussing work, national affairs, and the latest advances in radio technology, all the while flicking firecrackers at the feet of passers-by. And the moment darkness filled the sky, rockets shot high into the air filling the night with exploding color and sound, and wide eyed staring faces ohed and awed. And finally, with our bellies full of good food and spirits, we returned to our homes with another Independence Day under our belts. And even though we traditionally celebrate our independence, year after year, nary a word is mentioned of it or how we attained it. Even at Christmas, there are those there to remind us the "reason for the season". Yet few ever discuss the events that led to our declaration of freedom from an oppressive government that ruled from far across an ocean. I suppose we learn enough of it during our years in school. And maybe we know it all so well, that there is no need to include it in our discussions on the 4th. After all, we want to be of good nature and jolly and jovial during this celebration. Not dwelling on our founding fathers being dragged from their ancestoral homes and forced to watch the burning of their house, crops and livestock. We want to have fun, and not be reminded of our mal-equipped, ill and exhausted soldiers freezing to death at Valley Forge. And who wants to drink beer and talk about public torture and hangings designed to quell rebel uprisings. I like to think that these things are known to Americans, and there is no need to dwell on them. I like to assume that in the backs of our minds, all Americans have said a prayer of thanks for the sacrifices of men like General G. Washington, and Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry and James Madison. And that if it weren't for guys like Aaron Burr, John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, we wouldn't be here celebrating anything right now. I have little doubt that my peers are fully aware of these men and their individual contributions to the birthing of our nation. My concern is for the coming generation of 4th of July celebrators. Maybe if they new the weight and toll of the lesson, they would be more apt to listen to these accounts in school, instead of returning their latest text message. And won't they be surprised to find out that our nations capitol isn't located above Oregon! And that Samuel Adams isn't just a beer.

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