Happy 4th of July!

Ellie enjoying the 4th

It occurred to me this morning that Independence Day is the only major American holiday that isn't celebrated during the school year.  I know kids are taught about the Revolutionary War and the founding fathers and the Constitution and all those other important historical facts but they don't really get to celebrate what it all means.  That leaves it up to us as parents to see that our children know and understand why we celebrate the 4th of July.  It's more than a day to have a BBQ and play games and camp out.

I hope you take a little time and stress the sacrifice and courage of millions of men and women who gave everything for the freedom of this country.  I hope your kids know the Pledge of Allegiance, the patriotic songs like The Battle Hymn of the Republic, The Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful.  I hope they know about the founding fathers, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and others.

Our kids need to know about the greatness of our country and have honor and respect for those who went before us to give us the freedoms we enjoy today.