Happy 4th of July!

Hi there & Happy 4th of July!

I hope everyone is enjoying a happy & safe 4th of July weekend! I’m jumping out of sequence here because I want to share some of my thoughts about the 4th of July in real time.

This year, while I’m traveling on this journey, America the Beautiful has taken on an even stronger meaning for me. This IS NOT & NEVER WILL BE A POLITICAL forum. It’s just MY thoughts & yes, I’m wearing my rose colored glasses today, too. 🤓

I grew up at a time when we pledged our allegiance to our flag & country every day in school. It was probably just a ritual to most of my classmates, but it meant a lot more to me. I remember going to the 4th of July parade & fireworks every year in Wakefield, MA. I grew up next door in Reading, so it was an annual event for our family. I remember being happy to see our flag waving proudly, everywhere I looked.
Mom & I took a 15 day whirlwind trip thru Europe in 1977. I got physically teary-eyed every time I saw an American flag flying over one of our embassies. I remember feeling safe & comforted by it, knowing that fellow Americans were close by.

Over the years, I’ve been saddened by the decline in honoring our country & fellow citizens, especially our military, veterans and all first responders. Memorial Day, the 4th of July & Labor Day have all just become long weekends to many people. Veterans Day, too, but it’s not a designated Monday holiday. The true meaning of these special days has faded.

It’s not just about long weekends & cookouts! I’ve attended Red Sox games where a lot of men didn’t remove their caps & people talked & drank beer during our National Anthem. I have ALWAYS placed my hand over my heart & whispered along with the song. (Nobody wants or needs to hear me singing! 😉)

I’m in VA today, again… 😆 My 6 hour drive from South Carolina on Friday became an 8 hour drive. It wasn’t the traffic as much as periods of heavy rain & long stretches of roadwork, often narrowing the highway to one lane. I have my GPS set to avoid toll roads, which often sends me on a longer drive through small towns, away from the highway. I’m fine with that because I’m enjoying the scenery!
It was heartwarming to see so many Main Streets in small towns lined with American flags. There were banners everywhere, inviting residents to join in the celebrations this weekend. I hope they’re all staying safe. 🎉😷🎊
I had such a positive feeling taking it all in. With all of the upsetting, scary, sad, traumatic things in the news, I’ve chosen to wear my rose colored glasses today & ignore all of it, just for today. 🤷‍♀️ Today, I’m just an American girl, proud to be a citizen of my beloved country & grateful to be traveling around to enjoy her beauty.
America the Beautiful. 🇺🇲
Home of the Free because of the Brave. ❤

Hugs from Virginia! 🤗
Wendy & Maddie 💕