oh, my goodness...4th of July....

...do I love living in America? Do I love the flag? Do I love everything about the constitution? Do I even love those cranky old people in black robes who have far too much influence and impact on our measly little lives from such a highly placed position? Yes to all of that, and the process of electing officials with whom I don't necessarily agree.

I recently read an editorial about what it was like in the Early Days: when the forefathers signed the document but the war was not won. How the colonists struggled, often cold, hungry, insufficiently clothed and shod, and under-armed to beat back the British invaders. One of the earliest recorded stories of the use of guerilla warfare. Young men, who were accustomed to life in the untamed wildness of the forest, and the necessity for careful aim in bringing home meat to provide for their families. Snipers, that the red-coated army, orderly, properly drilled and marching in tidy lines, were not prepared for.

According to the article I read, by a political science prof. at a nearby college, and based on David McCullough's "1776", the fight went on for a long time. Through all kinds of weather, for nearly two more years before the Brits finally capitulated.  Washington orders his men to leave their coats behind, while the Brits continue to maintain a 'uniform' appearance in the June 1778 heat. As the temperature rises to 100 degrees, those heavy wool coats cause the English army to loose many men to heat stroke, while the colonists, who have been diligently drilling over the winter, gain the upper hand. General Cornwallis admits defeat.

Though we celebrate the fourth day in July as one of independence, it took months and years more of difficult, dirty, lonely, hungry effort on the part of the colonists to make it Truth. I am so thankful for the people today who make the decision to enforce the laws and amendments that keep us safe. Public safety men and women on the streets. Military men and women in service to our country. And those long gone men and women who would rather die than live in a colony with a monarch making their decisions for them.