Beyond the Byline: ‘Stand beside her and guide her’

WILKES-BARRE — After weeks of listening to “red, yellow and green,” today we are all about red, white and blue.

Today we celebrate/commemorate our independence. We remember the brilliant minds that forged a new country where freedom rings from sea to shining sea.

We thank God for bestowing blessings on us all.

And we thank, honor, respect, cherish and never forget our veterans.

Because that’s what it’s all about — freedom. And honoring all who fought so bravely and selflessly to preserve our freedom.

As we gather today, practicing social distancing and wearing our protective masks, we must pause to remember all those who served our country — those who gave so much for us.

Yes, we should enjoy those hot dogs and hamburgs on the grill. And the potato salad, macaroni salad and cole slaw. And, as I have said many times before, the party don’t start until the baked beans come out.

And enjoy a slice of cake, decorated with Old Glory. Throw back a beer or slushy or cosmo and laugh with your family and friends.

July 4th is a time of celebration — meaningful celebration. Celebrate our country and our freedom and wear your red, white and blue.

According to biography.com, “America’s Founding Fathers included George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe and Benjamin Franklin — who together with several other key players of their time, structured the democratic government of the United States and left a legacy that has shaped the world.”

And some 244 years later, we remain free. We can speak our minds, worship where we choose, do basically what we please — at least in non-pandemic times.

The freedom fought for over the years is well worth preserving. We are fortunate to live in a free country where we elect our leaders and attend our schools of choice and buy whatever the heck we want at the big box stores or small businesses. We watch our favorite TV programs and we read our favorite books.

There is so darn much to be thankful for on this Independence Day. We gather to celebrate — and celebrate we will for all the right reasons.

But take some time to remember those Founding Fathers and what they did to declare our independence. And remember all those who went to battle when our freedom was challenged. Remember all who went off to war without question. And especially remember those who bravely fought and made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

And cherish your family and friends. Savor that hot dog and hamburg. Take a dip in the pool. Splash around. Go for a ride. Smile at the American flags hanging from front porches,

Be proud to be an American every day, but especially on July 4 and celebrate what happened on that date in 1776.

Enjoy America the beautiful, land that we love.

“Stand beside her and guide her —through the night with the light from above.

“From the mountains to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam.

“God bless America, my home sweet home.”

Our home sweet home.