Independence Day is a Day to Celebrate Freedom and Community

Bang, Boom, Pow, the sounds of freedom heard throughout our great country as we celebrated our 235th birthday.  Independence Day is one of the biggest community events in our nation.  As we celebrated the Fourth of July, I wondered how many people really know why we celebrate Independence Day.  Freedom is and never will be free.  Many of our country’s forefathers lost their lives in gaining the freedom from England and many more have lost their lives in defending the ideals of our nation overseas.

I was able to enjoy a Tacoma Rainiers game on Sunday night followed by their annual 3rd of July fireworks. Then off to Kent’s Lake Meridian Park to participate in their celebration on the 4th of July.  During both adventures, I could see and hear numerous other fireworks being set off in the area, all of which were a beautiful site.  I also had a couple of jets from Joint Base Lewis McChord fly over my house adding their sounds of freedom to my day as part of the Independence Day performance at the base.

I ended my day on Tuesday at the Bonney Lake Council workshop, as I wanted to find out what was on their mind now that the Independence Day fireworks had drawn to a close.  As I suspected, at least one member of the community had written the council to let them know they were upset that the council was still allowing fireworks to be shot off in the city. The Council could have chosen a number of paths in regards to the fireworks, but I was happy to hear the council say they really were not interested in changing the current laws in the city in regards to fireworks.  A number of the community non-profits sell fireworks to make money for their activities throughout the year.  This provides them with a substantial amount of money for a relatively short investment of time. I think our current council has looked at the topic from the point of view of what is best for our community overall. 

It sounds to me like the answer is to allow organizations to sell fireworks, and for people to light those fireworks in the city, with that said people need to keep in mind there are only a few days before and certain hours to celebrate.

As our birthday celebration draws to a close I want to quote President Kennedy.  "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.” Here are some names for you to remember for their contributions to both their country and the world; Bell, Ford, Franklin, Washington, Lincoln, Gates, Knight, and Johnson. 

So I ask a similar question as President Kennedy: ask not what your community can do for you but what can you do for your community.  There are numerous non-profit agencies always in search of volunteers, there are always seniors in need of help around the house both inside and out, as well as some community events need volunteers to keep them running.  As summer finally gets into full swing, what will you do this summer, how will you spend your time?  Hopefully part of your time will be giving back to our community.