Happy Fourth of July, everyone! Since today is Independence Day, I thought it appropriate to include something patriotic in today’s Blog. I think the following article is both patriotic and uplifting and something we all should think about, and be thankful for, more often.
“The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave”
by Rosemary Freitas Williams,
Asst. Secretary of Defense 2014
“Cicadas hum in the background; barefoot kids run and squeal with excitement as families gather around the country for their local parades and fireworks during Fourth of July celebrations. I look forward to it every year, especially the goose bumps that come when the local band or station plays ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ during the night’s festivities.
When the ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ was written nearly 200 years ago, we were a nation at war. The War of 1812 — a war we fought against the British — had been raging for more than two years. In September 1814, Francis Scott Key watched as the British attacked Fort McHenry in the Battle of Baltimore. After a night of intense bombing, he was heartened — and maybe a little surprised — to see the U.S. flag proudly flying over the fort. Key was so moved by the sight, he wrote ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’
The War of 1812 unified the country and gave Americans a sense of pride that would help make us who we are today. And it gave us a song that will forever recall our strength, our determination and the fierce independence that defines us as Americans.
In conflicts since that time, from the American Civil War, through the world wars and recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ has maintained its role as a unifier. It is also a reminder of the country we love, the conflicts fought to preserve our freedom and how Americans support our fighting men and women, and the families they often leave behind.
‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ doesn’t just strengthen us in times of war; it carries us in times of peace as well. It is the song many of us learned to sing during those first few jittery days of kindergarten. As we gather to watch our favorite sporting events, it is the song that hushes the crowd.
And it is the song often used to welcome in a new president during the inauguration. It gives us hope in a different and better future. It is part of the fabric of our lives and a reminder of what it means to be American.
We all celebrate the Fourth of July in our own special way, but we are united in our love for our country. It serves as a reminder of the privileges and benefits we enjoy as Americans and the sacrifices made in the name of freedom.
This year, as we approach the [205-year] anniversary of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ take a moment to reflect on our once young, struggling country and the song that evoked such pride in Americans — a pride that still resonates within us [over] 200 years later.” END QUOTE
What I’m Doing to Celebrate the Fourth of July
As you read this, Debi and I will be hosting our daughter, her husband and about 10 of their closest friends at our home on beautiful Lake Travis, which is located about 20 miles northwest of Austin, and where we’ve lived for the last 30 years. Both of our kids were born and raised on the lake.
We love it when our kids come home and bring their friends with them. They have so much fun on the lake surfing, wakeboarding, tubing and riding the jet skis. At the end of the day, they are very hungry, so we feed them very well! I love to cook for groups. I have two smokers and two Weber grills.
Today, I’ll be smoking ribs, chicken and sausage to go with all the trimmings. On Saturday, I’ll be smoking fajitas, which our kids and their friends always request. I smoke chicken and tenderized skirt steak (or flank). Here’s my secret: Claude’s FAJITA Marinating Sauce, and I marinate the meat in it overnight.
At the same time, I smoke jalapeno peppers stuffed with cheddar or cream cheese with a slice of bacon (cut in half) draped on top. Even people who normally don’t like spicy food eat these up! To finish off my meals, I have several flavors of homemade ice cream for dessert.
Our plan many years ago was to have a really fun place on the lake so that the kids would come home frequently when they were grown. It worked, we see them often and we are so thankful!
As always, I’m also thankful for you, Dear Readers and Clients. You mean more to me than you will ever know! I welcome your comments and suggestions – I read them all, by the way.
Enjoy your Fourth of July and count your blessings!
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