Independence Day

“Ooooo…” “AAahhhh!” “Ooooo!” Yes, we all like a good fireworks display don’t we? Any reason to blow something up is usually the tactic of low budget filmmaking…Heck, even HIGH budget filmmaking anymore but this control explosion on July 4th is so satisfying. They are, in total, a wonderful entertainment.

I remember July 4th 1976. Yes…I was alive then. I remember the broadcasts, the parade of tall ships into New York harbor…even the Danish training vessel, The Danmark that brought my father to America was there. And who could beat Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra and their performance of the “1812 Overture” complete with live cannons!

This year, I will be without both of my parents for the first time in my life. This is the kind of Independence Day that I never looked forward to. Those two people formed and informed my thinking about all things patriotic. My father was an immigrant so he was VERY patriotic and my mother, directing her children’s productions in the local elementary schools of Brevard County, FL, never failed to have at least ONE musical number that involved the American Flag. It also never failed to get a tear or two from the audience of adoring parents seeing their children in all that red, white and blue.

So, this year, I want to do my part. I want to celebrate and remember the blessings that I have received not just from my amazing parents but from my Heavenly Father as well. He allowed me to be born in the most extraordinary country on the planet, into a land that creates wealth, the tries very hard to do the right thing. How great is that? And if you are reading this and are not fortunate enough to be an American, I hope that you love your country as much as I love mine. You see, it is when we love our country and our fellow man that we are truly reflecting the very nature of God Himself.

Thank your Heavenly Father today for your blessings and watch out! You just might change the world!