I love the 4th.  Now granted, it’s two days before my birthday and I love my birthday and the 4th means my birthday is just that much closer.  But I think I’d love the 4th no matter what.

I love America.  I’d like to think that every person should feel pride in where they live, although I realize that’s not always going to happen.  But nonetheless, I love it. 

I love knowing that I can be friends with any race, creed, what-have-you without having to worry about the consequences that sadly still exist in some parts of the world. 

I love knowing that if I’m not happy about something in the system, I can do some small thing to try and change it, even if it’s just voting, and even if who I vote for doesn’t win.

I get chills when I hear The Star Spangled Banner and I stand up when I hear it playing. I get ticked off when I see some the crap that journalists put on TV, I get irritated over the way some people will say some of the most Godawful things, and then claim freedom of speech, but I do love that we have freedom of speech.  Granted, I think some things are better left unsaid.  Just because you have the right to say trash doesn’t mean you should. 

But if I had to choose between hearing some of the crap and living in a land where all thoughts and words had to be censored or face some dire consequences, I’ll just have to keep tuning out the garbage.

I love knowing that I can get up on a Sunday and go to Church without fear that somebody is going to try and kill me, my family or friends in the congregation for believing in God and His Son, Jesus.

I love knowing I can wear what I want, think what I want, say what I want and feel what I want.

Happy Birthday, America and thanks to all of those, both past, present, and future, who fight to keep and protect you.