Independence Day

Next Wednesday is Independence Day. I was jolted to this reminder several minutes ago when one of my neighbors started letting off fireworks. Now I know what a pacemaker must feel like. A moment please . . . ahh, now my that my heart rate is slowing how about a little discourse on Independence Day. (Feel free to stop reading at any time . . . it is a free country!) Now for a little history -- I'm a little rusty so bear with me.

Independence Day began as a celebration in honor of the Colonies (now commonly referred to as the United States of America -- minus a few states) declaration that they were no longer a part of the nation of Great Britain. This declaration was made despite the fact that much of the colonial population was originally from or had near ancestors from Great Britain.

An interesting phenomenon when you think about it. Imagine if Iowa declared independence from the United States. (Although Iowa would need to be much wealthier in both resources and money -- but that is a tangent I will choose not to follow.)

It was originally celebrated in much the same manner as today: cannon salutes -- fireworks, state dinners -- cookouts, music, parades, etc.

It is the only holiday celebrating the United States.

I was thinking about that: a celebration of the United States.

What should that mean to me? What does that mean to me?

To be continued . . . on Monday.