Except for Christmas, I believe the 4th of July is one of the most memorable holidays. It’s a warm time of the year when the days are long and the kids are out of school and according to the news, it’s one of the most traveled holidays of the year. Family and friends gather to celebrate the 4th of July in parks, yards, on the water, or in campgrounds and who can forget the corn on the cob, watermelons, strawberry shortcakes, and laughter. I believe it was on a 4th of July when Ginny’s dad was teaching our three sons how to spit watermelon seeds. Needless to say, the seeds were everywhere as the event turned into a distance and accuracy challenge for the boys. Her dad is no longer with us, but the memory lives on forever. 

The 4th of July is always a fun and exciting time but we also need to be careful. Roadways will be busy with motorcycles, cars, trucks, bicycles, and pedestrians with people celebrating in different ways. Being a river town, we also must remember to be careful on the water where many people gather to share in the holiday festivities. It seems every year someone having fun ends up being hurt as boaters, skiers, and jet skis share the river.

As we watch the fireworks, let’s not forget the sacrifices that took place to make the birth of our nation possible. Freedom isn’t free and it’s not a forever gift. Just like a good relationship, freedom takes maintenance. This year as you watch the fireworks, remember the line in the Star-Spangled Banner “The rocket’s red glare,” because the rockets referred to in the song were rockets of war, not the fireworks we marvel at today. Today we can live and love freely because of the sacrifices of others.

For the Community — About the Community — By the Community.

Dave Molleck — Chillicothe Hometown Voice
[email protected]