Independence Day

I can hardly wait for the fireworks, fire engines, fire arms and police tonight! It's going to be a blast!

Thomas Jefferson has been recognized as the one who mentioned celebrations to commemorate our independence day, but it was a quote from John Adams that I really think had more of an impact.

John Adams said: "I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival," he wrote his wife, Abigail. "It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."

That's why we set off fireworks on this day, but sadly, many of our children have grown up thinking that it's just 'Fireworks Day', much like Thanksgiving has become 'Turkey Day'. It's troublesome to me. I think we need to understand what our country's holidays are about.

I think that prior to any fireworks being lit, the patriarch of the family should, at the very least, talk about what the fireworks represent. That didn't happen when I was a kid and as an adult, I have never purchased fireworks, just because I don't want to start a fire and if I go to a professional celebration, they will talk about the reason for the festivities.

I love the celebrations where the attendees are encouraged to sing along to the Star Spangled Banner, America The Beautiful, God Bless America and other patriotic songs. The pledge of allegiance would be great as well.

I fear that the significance of the day will be lost in a bottle rocket. Today, I celebrate the birth of our nation and the vision our forefathers had for the future generations of America.

I hope everyone has a great day full of family get togethers, barbecues and fireworks celebrations. I also hope we remember what it's all about. Also, before we set off fireworks in the west, where it has been so hot and dry, we remember the 19 fallen heroes lost in the inferno in Arizona.

Let's not put more people and our own homes at risk.

See you tomorrow.