What does the 4th of July mean to you?
To me, it represents those generations who came before us. Those hard working dedicated people who fought for our independence, crossed the country in covered wagons, cut timber to build houses, hauled water, moved rocks from fields in order to grow gardens to feed their families, and settled the towns all across the country that we now call home.
It also means we never forget those who served our country regardless of who was sitting behind the desk at the top of the pyramid.
They went where they were told they were needed and did what they were asked to do while we safely slept in our own beds and went about our regular lives.
So, as the day draws to a close, let’s stop a moment before the fireworks start so we can reflect as the sky explodes in a rainbow of color.
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A sincere thank you to all of your loved ones who served in the Armed Forces and for the families at home who supported them along the way.
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NewEnglandGardenAndThread 
A good reminder of the true observance of this day, Judy. A country built upon the backs of those who have gone before us, we’ve always been great. ❤
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Hope you had a good day, Eliza, and were able to enjoy some outdoor time. 🙂
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God bless America! So fortunate to be part of this great country!
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Well said, Judy. It’s definitely a time to reflect on what it means to be an American.
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Exeter normally does an amazing job of brining attention to your quintessential small New England town on the 4th. 🙂
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Judy, you summed up the meaning of the 4th of July perfectly. Our country was built and has survived because of the selfless sacrifices of others. May we always be proud and stand strong for freedom for all.
May I add my thanks to yours to our incredible military and their families who keep us safe and free. We will never forget. 🇺🇸
🐾Ginger 🐾
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When I was gardening and the heat was over 90, I was thinking about the pioneers trudging across the country in the clothes they wore in that era. Our ancestors were made of strong stuff. Thanks to anyone in your family who served in the military as well.
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Well said, Judy. Happy Fourth! Long may we celebrate it.
janet
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Hope you have a good long weekend and get to enjoy your morning walks. 🙂 Thanks to anyone in your family who served to defend us.
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My f-i-l, now dead, landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day and was later in the Pacific. My dad would have gone to Korea but they needed someone with accounting skills, so he went to St. Louis and then Chicago. It worked. Korea doesn’t own them. 🙂
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Happy Fourth of July Judy….there are many similarities between the pioneering days of Australia and the USA, and we owe those pioneers plenty!
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I’d like to think I could have lived in that era, but those who settled our countries were made of strong stuff, had amazing common sense, and were not deterred by much of anything. I applaud each and every one of them. 🙂
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Yes, I agree, and exploring on foot some of the time, incredible!
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Well said and this was refreshing to read
We are not perfect but we are a great country
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The ‘we’ in your sentence is what the country is all about and always has been, and we should always celebrate that because it is our history and our future. Thanks for stopping. 🙂
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Well
Said (again)
And side note – I enjoy the photos you get while in motion – have an original vibe and almost feels story-like –
Guess there times for very formal photos and other times when raw and on the move brings interest
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Thank you, Judy, for reminding us all about the true meaning behind our Independence Day celebrations. So very grateful for all those who served and are currently serving our nation. When one family member is serving in our military, the entire family is serving our country! We thank them all! As I write, I can hear the fireworks just beginning. Your words are a perfectly timed, poignant reminder tonight, Judy! 💗
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You are so right, Dawn. The entire family serves our country. Applause to them all as we celebrate our independence. 🙂
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“because of the brave” is perfect. I have several American relatives serving in the military, and I especially appreciate this post.
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I extend my sincere thanks to each of these armed forces members and the families supporting them. Happy long weekend to you and yours as well. 🙂
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“Independence” is a tricky word, it seems to me. The only reason we are independent is that we have depended on others. You are so right to point to all the ways in which many have built — and sustain — what we have now.
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Yes, life as we know it today just didn’t happen without all the sacrifices of so many that came before us.
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Absolutely. I’m guessing that a lot of those sacrifices are felt very deeply by you and your family on these holidays. We can never take such sacrifice for granted.
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I think less about the military on July 4 than I do on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The Fourth to me is all about the focus on independence and remembering the vision and intelligence and values that our forebears brought to the Declaration of what makes America special. An important day to celebrate, either way!
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The key here is that you do give it some thought and it just isn’t a day for bbq and boating. 🙂 But, I can only imagine you had some wonderful moments at the water’s edge in those adirondack chairs. Happy 4th of July. 🙂
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THANK YOU for what you do on a daily basis to recognize the efforts of the members of the Armed Forces present and past!!!
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I appreciate you saying so, Judy!!
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Thank you Judy! I couldn’t agree more.
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This Fourth of July, at our gathering, my friends and I took a different tack. We honored the younger generation—the courage, the heart, and the intelligence that that they are bringing to the grave problems our species is facing.
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What types of initiatives are you seeing from the younger generation in Maine?
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All kinds of initiatives now that Janet Mills is governor, from the environment to health care. Not sure how many come from the younger generation. Give ’em time! They are barely old enough to to be running for office. 😉
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P.S. I was more thinking of the Parkland students, and the ones such as Greta Thunberg who are leading the climate strikes.
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Here, Here! You said what my heart feels but, can’t find the words. I too appreciate you saying it, Judy! Happy Independence Day!
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This is a very timely reminder, Judy. You’re right, so many havre gone before us, done the heavy lifting, fought the battles and brave all sorts of danger.
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You nailed it – the heavy lifting. That is what they did exactly. Thank you.
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Happy Independence Day to you and yours! 🙂
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Perfectly said my friend! Proud to fly our flag everyday!
Hope your 4th was wonderful!
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I hope you had a wonderful day!
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Quite right and nice. I hope you have enjoyed all the festivities 🙂
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Thank you to your husband for his years of service and to you for keeping the home fires going. 🙂
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Hope you and your family had a fine 4th of July.
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