Two Words I Can’t Say Enough

Here in the USA, July 4th holds a special place for us. It’s the date that we celebrate our country’s independence from Great Britain.

We intend this as no offense to those of you in the UK; like a great many of us here in the States, I still consider the Brits (and the peoples of the other Anglosphere countries) to be our brothers — and I always will.

On the Fourth of July, we indulge in many of those things Americans love: food, spirits (of both the cheer and distilled sort), time with family and loved ones, and at the end, watching money literally be burned in spectacular pyrotechnic displays. It’s one of my favorite holidays.

To me, the 4th has always been a day that has deeper meaning too. In my opinion, it’s as important as Veteran’s Day is in being a day where we express our profound gratitude to those of you who’ve fought, and sacrificed, and bled, for our country. Words can’t express how much I appreciate those men and women (and their families) and what they’ve done — and continue to do. The 4th is one of those days when we should say the two words we can never say enough.

Thank you.

To those who’ve just placed a flag at a military cemetery, thank you.

To those with hearts both aching with worry, and bursting with pride, who’ve sent their child off to boot camp, thank you.

To those adjusting to life as a veteran who made it back home, but left a part of yourselves on the battlefield, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

And to those who are spending their first 4th of July without that son, or daughter, or father, or mother who gave the ultimate sacrifice, thank you. My God, thank you so much.

So, I hope all of you in the States enjoy today.

Have fun with your family, call up that friend you haven’t spoken to in years, take off that hat and put your hand over your heart when that beautiful anthem plays.

And remember those things that matter more than anything else.

Kindness.

Forgiveness.

And love.