Boom, Boom, POW! Happy Birthday America!

Independence Day, more commonly known as the 4^th of July is the National Day of the United States of America. It celebrates the day America declared its independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

During the American Revolution the 13 colonies voted to legally separate from Great Britain on July 2, 1776. After voting for their independence Congress wrote a statement explaining this decision, the Committee of Five debated and revised the wording for 2 days. The final result was the Declaration of Independence. Officially signed on the 4^th day of July in 1776; America’s Birthday.

Since the first anniversary of the United States, American’s have celebrated this national holiday with  feasts, music, parades, speeches, prayers, even 13 gun salutes, but no Fourth would be complete without fireworks.

The thrill of fireworks are exciting and beautiful to watch, but can also bring pain. On average about 200 people go the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday, so firework safety is something we should all be aware of. Remember, fireworks can be dangerous, instigating serious burn and eye injuries. You can prevent fireworks-related injuries by following these safety tips when using fireworks: 

1. Never allow young children to play with fireworks and always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. (Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.)
2. Avoid buying fireworks that are wrapped in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could be dangerous to consumers.



The Fire Marshal Of Florida
What's Legal & What's Not





3. Don’t place any part of your body directly over a firework when igniting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance directly after igniting fireworks.
4. Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
5. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
6. Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
7. Light fireworks one at a time, then step back.
8. Never carry fireworks in a pocket or discharge them from a metal or glass containers.
9. After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent firework with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before disposing of it to prevent a trash fire.
10. Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.  

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” 

― Thomas Jefferson, The Declaration of Independence

America the brave...

“The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.” 
~John Fitzgerald Kennedy


There are only two works to describe the meaning of Memorial Day...Thank You! 
This holiday was created to honor those who died while serving their country, our country. It is not about politics, bbq's, or weekend sales. It is about the men and women that protect our country. 

So this Memorial Day, enjoy the time with your family and friends, but remember to take a moment and thank all that have served and are still serving in our military for all that they do.

The Unknown Soldier

You need not ever know my name
This unknown soldier seeks no fame
I'm here to bring out thought from you
May your heart see more then your view
America, we marched with pride
We gave our life, for you we died

How well we knew the time might come
When life could sound that final drum
Please think of us as life moves on
We tried so hard till that last dawn
Do let our spirit fill the land
Pass treasured freedom, hand to hand
God blessed this country with such love
Hold in your heart, abundance of
and when you stand before my grave
Think not of one, but all who gave.
                                     ~ Roger J. Robicheau

Anyone is free to pay their respects to those who made the greatest possible sacrifice so that the rest of us can continue to do what we enjoy doing.  The traditional time to visit cemeteries or war memorials is at 3PM local time on Memorial Day, which is Monday. U.S. flags will be flown at half-mast until noon. According to the US Government’s website, you can also “Pay tribute to the U.S. men and women who died during military service by observing a minute of silence at 3:00 PM, local time.”

Thank you for our freedom, our rights, and for your bravery!