~Brownbeansprout

What does July 4th mean to you? 

To some people it is simply a three day weekend that means bbq and fireworks, but for others, there is a deeper meaning that personifies those that fought to ensure our freedom.

My father was in the Navy.  He enlisted at age 17 and saw conflict in Korea and Vietnam.  He married my mother and while he was diverse and accepting of her Vietnamese heritage and culture, he was also always extremely patriotic.  He hung his flag at every holiday, lowered it to half-mast during a tragedy, like 9-11 and the space shuttle tragedy, and he taught us all how important it was to ‘be’ an American.

The last time his flag flew at half-mast was September 6, 2003- the day he died.

So this 4th of July, thank those that made this holiday (and our freedom) possible.

My family went to the National Cemetery today.  That’s where my parents are now and will be together this July 4th and everyday here after.

We brought flags and silently said a prayer of thanks.

Happy Independence day.