Happy Independence Day!

Sometimes we say it casually, but it is a beautiful phrase with rich meaning: Happy Independence Day!

I always have been thankful to live in the United States of America; over the past several years, as I’ve interviewed and come to know an ever-increasing number of veterans and active-duty military, I have come to appreciate my country even more.

I don't know that I ever truly will understand just how blessed I am; to think of how many people have put their lives on the line for our freedom is daunting. We are a nation that values freedom, and, with all of the birthday celebrations for our dear country, I am thankful that we live in the home of the free because of the brave. I am thankful that we can enjoy dinners and fireworks with family and friends united under our American Flag.

Wherever you are, I encourage you to take a moment to remember how truly blessed we are.

Individually we might feel a little tattered like the beautiful edges of the flag that flies above the Woodstock Harley-Davidson veterans memorial, but we are strong together, courageous in the red, white and blue.  We are strong because of the men and women who serve our country. From the Revolutionary War onward, brave men and women have shown us that American freedom is not free.

Happy birthday, United States of America!

Garrison flag the flies high and strong above the Woodstock Harley-Davidson veterans memorial.

The Boone County 4-H Drill Team presented the flag before the B Bar C International Horse Promoters July Horse Show this past weekend. 

Crystal Lake fireworks display.

The Fourth isn't the Fourth without a craft project.

Homemade Italian Ice for today!

My beautiful and every-chic sister-in-law used fancy chalkboard tags for dinner the other day, so we made our own knock-offs for today's celebration! Thanks for the inspiration S-!

Cute bow project for the girls coming over and some canvases for the boys to paint flags.

My youngest with a star in her hair to celebrate our country's birthday.