Happy 4th
What exactly does that mean?
It is a not too subtle shift in one's vantage point. For me, it sends the message that today is all about the cook-out or taking the day off. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Independence Day
Before it was the title of an entertaining movie, it meant "The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America..." to free ourselves from the mother country.
It is a birthday celebration: our nation's birth on July 4, 1776.
Self-evident?
Not so much.
For me, it is a time to reflect on my homeland (in these ever increasingly 'global' times), and thank my lucky stars... maybe that is why we have fireworks!
Enjoy the day, but consider putting a slight twist on your vantage point. One of profound meaning and consider paying tribute to the brave souls that changed the course of mankind by holding the ultimate "bitch & moan" session, creating a list of grievances that became one of the world's most respected documents.
-ski
P.S. Thanks google for making a colorful image to honor the day... I know how tough it would be to create an image based on an idea...