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Remember and celebrate the Fourth of July!

by | Jun 28, 2018 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

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Remember and celebrate the Fourth of July!

We wonder, what does the Fourth of July mean to you? As you know, we celebrate because the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776. This document declared independence from Great Britain.

It is truly a time to celebrate our freedom and enjoy what our forefathers envisioned for our country. It’s also a time to remember the efforts of all the service men and women who have helped our country to remain safe and free. Some people have even given the ultimate sacrifice. A friend recently told us he has a flag that is folded in a special way and put in a special box. The flag was presented to his family upon the loss of a loved-one in the military. That flag graces their home as a constant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice and the importance of freedom. Our brave forefathers and many brave service people throughout the ages have given their service, and in some cases their lives, to preserve America’s independence. We want the Fourth of July, and every day, to honor their sacrifices.

As children we were proud to stand with our hand over our heart and sing our National Anthem. That ritual is even more meaningful to us today. Both of us had family members who served in the Armed Forces and we are thankful for their service.

We both cherish family memories of weaving red, white and blue crepe paper between the spokes of bikes, having picnics on the 4th and enjoying all the wonderful food – including homemade ice cream. Funny how it all seemed to taste better when we got to eat outside! It was always fun attending band concerts where they played patriotic music. Then came the grand finale of watching the fireworks display over a local lake. For us, that was about as good a day as it could get. Actually today, that still is a pretty great day!

To honor the 4th of July, Chanhassen will have a parade, games, music, fireworks and lots of food and fun. We hope you will join the festivities and create your wonderful memories.

We went to the Chanhassen VFW and met Mike and Jean Neill. We asked Mike to tell us about his service. Mike told us, “I was a Navy Corpsman. I served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, a Marine base, for my two years of active duty and another four years of reserve duty. I’m glad I was a young man because it was a lot of hours and a lot of work. I couldn’t do it today as a 69 year old man. It was quite an experience for a young man like myself, meeting people from all over the world and all over the country and serving our country – and my wife was with me.” We know that spouses also do a lot and make sacrifices to help their spouses who are serving in the military. We asked Jean what it was like. Jean answered, “It was rough! But we made it through. After forty-eight years we still have friends from that time in the service. We have friends in South Dakota and Arizona that we met.”

We also asked Mike and Jean what the Fourth of July means to them. Mike replied, “I’m proud to be a veteran serving my country. There was never a period that I regretted doing it.” Jean shared that, to her, the Fourth of July means “Freedom”. She also added, “I’m lucky to be born here.” Mike agrees, “The same with me – we are lucky to be born in America.” We thanked them as we appreciate Mike’s military service also Jean’s support for Mike while he served. We could definitely see their love of America and that Fourth of July was very meaningful to them.

What does Fourth of July mean to you and what are your plans?

Here’s a challenge: When you see veterans, people who are presently serving and their families, take time to let them know how much their service and sacrifice means to you. Then allow yourself to thoroughly enjoy the fun activities of the holiday. Let’s celebrate the Fourth of July and continue to remember, with gratitude, those who paid for the freedom we experience each day. We like the quote of Peter Marshall – “May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” We wish you a happy, meaningful and memorable Fourth of July!

Chanhassen residents Doug and Lynn Nodland are Success Coaches and owners of The Balance Center. They can be contacted at WeCare@SharingLifesLessons.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2018 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.