What Does “Independence Day” Mean to You?

I love the 4th of July and taking the time to celebrate our independence. I am reminded of the sacrifices that have been made by our forefathers in fighting for our freedoms and for every person who continues to fight for us and protect us each and every day. I am so grateful that I have the right and the ability to write this blog, to think as I think and to be able to do the things that I wish to do without having to worry about being arrested or punished for my beliefs. I am so happy that I can choose the work that I want to do and the people with whom I associate and the most important person in my life, my spouse. I am so proud that I live in a country where I am respected for the person that I chose to become. And I appreciate and understand that with the independence that I have been given, I am responsible for taking care of myself and for making a contribution to the world in which I live.

We have every freedom that we could possibly want. We are independent and I hope that we take the time to celebrate this most precious gift that we have all been given again this year on the 4th of July.Barbara Jacoby

While contemplating this year’s holiday, my mind wandered to all that is going on in the country at this time and I couldn’t help but think of those who choose to live a life of “dependence”. For some, it is an expectation that their parents or siblings or spouses or friends or even the government are responsible to take care of them if they don’t want to take care of themselves. For others, it is a dependence on alcohol or drugs or other substances that interfere to the extent that they not only can’t function on a day to day basis but in many cases, they end up interfering with the independence of others. By that I mean, they take away from people their abilities to enjoy their homes, their neighborhoods, their possessions and in some cases, even their lives. This is so hard for me when I think about all of those who are dealing with cancer and other medical issues that interfere with their independence on so many levels while these same people are doing so much under such circumstances to help others with similar issues to improve their lives.

I am so glad that we live in this great country where we can make our own choices and I do respect the choices that every single person chooses for themself. I know that I will watch the parades and feel my heart swell with pride as I watch all of the military personnel march by, surrounded by the bands that are playing the songs written in honor of our country. I know that I will watch the fireworks with the music that celebrates this great nation. I know that I will put together an “all American” meal in recognition of the day. And I know that at the end of the day, I will once again go to bed with an overwhelming feeling of pride that I am fortunate enough to live in and respect my country and those who live here.

We are a nation of people who are the most fortunate in the world. We have a military that protects us and our rights to live as we choose. We have every opportunity to pursue whatever life we want. We can do and say and believe whatever we wish with the knowledge that we will not be incarcerated as long as we do no harm to anyone else. We have every freedom that we could possibly want. We are independent and I hope that we take the time to celebrate this most precious gift that we have all been given again this year on the 4th of July.