Happy 4th of July
Today is the 4th of July, a day filled with sparklers, fireworks, grilled food, sunshine (hopefully) and parades, and family and friends. Independence Day gatherings are one more opportunity to share celebrations as we mark the birthday of our country. Like personal milestones in our lives, community milestones like the 4th of July are a reason to celebrate.
The guests may be more informally dressed and the rituals less symbolic and more recurring traditions, but gathering to celebrate shared values and time with the special people in your life is always time well spent. A 4th of July picnic might not rival a wedding, a baby welcoming or a memorial for a loved one in terms of being memorable in the long term. But the annual celebration can create memories of its own, and just a good time each year.
So celebrate any way you like, but pause for a moment to recognize and appreciate the country we share, the loved ones gathered around you, and the memories being made. Happy 4th!