4th of July

There is something about a small town fireworks show that just makes you feel good.  We celebrate in a big way up here in the White Mountains.  Some cities have their fire works on Saturday, and some on Monday.   We have parades, barbecues, festivals in the parks and outings at the lakes.  I love having a small town type of life.

We are actually known for our fireworks up here.  There are no city lights to take away from the bright show.  The stars sparkle in the sky and the fireworks light up our own corner of the world.

I loved seeing some of the more unique parts of the show.  The spirals and the hearts are a favorites and are the waterfalls.  We sat with the firefighters this year, as I had ambulance duty.  It was quite the show and one of the best places to sit!  We have to be able to get in and out fast, which makes a quick getaway essential.

I loved the red heats that lit up the sky with all the others, of course, no matter how hard I try, I can't get the pictures to do justice to the evening.

I love the 4th of July, but not just the picnics and the families and the fireworks.  I love the meaning of it.  I am proud to be an American.  I am happy to be free.  I won't forget those who have fought and died so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have today.  We can disagree, vote, live, forgive and raise our children in freedom and democracy.  As much as I don't like the fact that so much of this great land has turned their hearts from our Heavenly Father, I know that this has all be prophesied.  As much as I can look around and see great wickedness, I can also look and find peace.  I know that God blesses this land of ours.  I know that His hands are upon the waters and the earth.  I know that we are greatly blessed.  God has truly blessed America.

Writer's Workshop - Freedom

This week, I am just a wee bit late joining the Writer's workshop over at Mama Kat's.  But, better late than never, so here are the rules: 
Choose a prompt, post it on your blog, and come back to add your name to the link list over HERE. Be sure to sign up with the actual post URL and not just your basic blog URL (click on the title of your post for that URL).  For good comment karma try to comment on the three blogs above your name!!
Hope to see you there! 


The Prompts:

1.) A list of 10 old TV shows you’d like to make a comeback.
2.) A post your mom would write if your mom wrote posts.
3.) Do you love it or hate it? An open letter to your child’s latest obsession.
4.) We just celebrated America’s Independence! Write a poem about what freedom means to you.
5.) It’s hot, the kids are home and crazy, our pets are panting, the days are long…share your number one Summer Survival Tip.
6.) Milkshakes, smoothies, margaritas and more…create a video showing how to make your favorite frozen drink.

I chose number 4.  A poem about freedom.

Because They Met

By Patricia A. Pitterle

In the year of 1776

A group of men did meet

Together in a secret room,

Fifty six did take their seats.

Each man, one by one,

Did sign his name in pen.

Each one knew the cost

Of what they did begin.

It was a revolution

Of freedom from the past

A chance to make a difference

And start anew, at last.

Each man had a vision

Of what the world could be;

If only we were free from those

Who would take our liberty.

And so we celebrate each year

A part of our history;

The creation of a nation

That wanted to be free.

We wave the flag of freedom,

As our veterans march by,

And then with awe and wonder, watch

As fireworks burst in the sky.

They blaze in trails of glory

Sparkling red and blue and white.

Eyes opened wide, and heads tipped back

We watch them fade from sight.

With songs and cheers and shouts

We lift our hearts in glee

Because those men met in that room

And we are now all free.

Nine Years Ago, Today

Today, I want to pause for a moment and remember history. I want to remember one of the saddest days in America. I want to remember the victims. The men, women and children who were going to work or play on a day that started out like any other.

On September 11, 2001, beginning at about 8:45 am, a series of terrorist attacks destroyed the twin towers of the World Trade Center and severely damaged the Pentagon. Commercial airliners were hijacked and flown directly into the three buildings. The first crashed into the North tower at 8:45, and about 18 minutes later the second airliner hit the South tower. At about 9:40, a third airliner crashed into the Pentagon. At about 9:58, the South tower collapsed, followed by the North tower at 10:28.

Two days later a reporter wrote: “The disaster is so great that in New York we have as yet, two days later, only guesses about how many thousands of people perished when the WTC towers collapsed. ”

At the time then-President George W Bush said: “Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers; moms and dads, friends and neighbours. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our country is strong.A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America — with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbours who came to give blood and help in any way they could. Immediately following the first attack"

Today, may we each take a moment to pause and remember a piece of history that we are never likely to truly forget. Where I was, and what I was doing on that day at that time is forever burned in my heart and mind. May we take a second or two to remember those who gave their lives on this day, nine years ago, as well as all those serving in the military, both here and abroad, and those who serve as firefighters and police officers in our cities today.

 

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love."

--- Washington Irving