The place I live in is dirty, smelly and dangerous. The saying as it goes "city of murder, meth and auto theft". Although, far worse happens. It's completely illegal to have aerial fireworks here, but when Forth of July rolls around, no one cares. I can't help but feel a little proud. This city of outlaws comes alive at night.
Firework displays fill the air across the entire city. No one needs to travel anywhere to watch a fireworks display at some distant production. Everyone just pulls out the grills and beers, blocks the streets and starts raising hell from the comfort of backyards and driveways. Families, friends and neighbors come together. The sounds of explosions mixed with the occasional gunfire plants your mind straight into a war zone.
The fact of it is, our country is celebrating independence. What better way to celebrate is there? Each mortar that goes up is a potential risk of heavy fines and jail time. Each mortar is a "#*$@ you" to regulation. As the whole city blows up, the risk goes down. Police quickly become so overwhelmed. Strength in numbers.
I often think about the risk of death our founding fathers faced in signing the Declaration of Independence. They understood the dream of freedom is worth dying for. Just the idea of it, drove us all together. As every person who ever took up arms to defend our country has done. The US was not built on hugs. This land was and still is wild.
As people drink and party, I hope we all take the time to reflect on how fragile freedom is. How important it is to those of us lucky enough to live in this era. How many there are that wept and bled so we can live. What a powerful sacrifice it is. I will never forget that.
If we are called upon so others after us can live with freedom, would you be willing? Could you let go of everything to ensure the safety of millions who aren't even born yet? Generations you would never meet? People who would never know your name? Could you search your heart and make the same sacrifice?
I think of all of you, and honor your wild daring spirits. Thank you.
Happy 241st birthday.