Happy Independence Day!
For any of you that know me well, you know that I am kind of a patriotic nerd. I love everything that has to do with this country and how it was founded, including all of those who fought to make it free and those who continue to keep it free. One of the greatest 4th of July celebrations in my life came two years ago when I was able to go to Washington D.C., the nation's capitol, with my best friends Steph and Crystal. It was a very proud moment in my life to spend that time where our country is governed every day on that Independence Day, 2011.
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| Washington D.C. July 4, 2011 |
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| Even though it looks like it is on fire, it is just the smoke from the fireworks. |
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| Washington Monument |
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| Lincoln Memorial |
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| The Cornerstone of the Capitol set by George Washington |
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| Arlington Cemetery |
That way you can be educated and have a better appreciation for my 2nd man James.
Now on to the good stuff....
When it comes to celebrating the 4th of July, many people know that this was the day the Declaration of Independence was approved by Congress, as it was drafted by Thomas Jefferson. However, many people do not realize that this was just the beginning of our "now country" fighting for it's freedom. Many important events have happened in our country to bring forth this "Independence Day". Here are some other dates that I feel are just as important as July 4, 1776:
September 17, 1787: The Constitution was signed. We do celebrate the 17th of September as Constitution Day, but it is definitely not celebrated with fireworks and BBQ's.
January, 1784: The Treaty of Paris was ratified by Congress (signed in September 1783), ending the Revolutionary War and granting the United States its independence. I am sure I could find the exact day when it was ratified in January, and start celebrating it with a hot dog or hamburger. Events like this need to be celebrated just as much as the 4th!
President's Day: Now I am very pleased to see that our country celebrates our nation's leaders with this event. Wonderful leaders like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John F. Kennedy, etc. etc. Our wonderful leaders must be remembered and honored as we would not be where we are today without them!
I should have become a history teacher, right? I could keep going, but I will leave the rest to you.
Now on to our 4th of July Celebration!
This year we were able to celebrate the 4th with the traditional Copperton Breakfast and races. Dugan had to work that night so while he was off making money, I went to see Despicable Me 2 by myself since I LOVE that movie, and I knew Dugan didn't want to see it like I did. That night it was the party at Aunt Cindy's house where we swam in the pool and watched fireworks. A great way to end the day!
BREAKING NEWS! Today Dugan and I bought a new car! It was not planned to happen this lovely Saturday afternoon, but when we went to Tony Divino on Riverdale Road (Rachel and Dave, we test drove a car right into your driveway!) we walked away with a car. It is a 2012 Toyota Camry, which will replace Dugan's 1997 Toyota Camry. Dugan's father is good friends with Tony, so it is always the way to go when purchasing a car. We love it and are excited to have it for when our kids come along!
