There's more than one F in the Fourth of July!

I love the Fourth of July.  It's one of my very favorite holidays because it's chock full of what I call the 5 Fs:  Fun, fireworks, family, friends and food! 

Unlike Christmas and Thanksgiving, it is a holiday that requires very little attention on my part, once I have made sure the pantry and refrigerator are well-stocked with supplies for a long weekend. 

On Friday, after much deliberation over various sales fliers, I traipsed off to four different stores in search of the best bargains in town.  We are now brimming with bargain soda, chips, burgers and many other deals that only come around prior to a holiday weekend. 

I'm not really sure why we tie our country's birthday celebration to bargain basement prices on pork steaks, but hey, who am I to turn up my nose at saving money? 

And short of whipping up a batch of pasta salad and baked beans, my holiday preparation is complete.  I'm ready to kick back with friends and family, chow down on some awesome food, watch some fireworks and have some fun!

But prior to my Friday afternoon shopping frenzy, it occurred to me that there are two other "F words" that are inextricably linked to the Fourth of July.  Those words are "Flag" and "Freedom."  

As I put my flags out on Friday morning, I was reminded again of how incredibly lucky I was to be born in this country.  I look at the American flag and I think of the men and women who fought for our freedom. People in the last 235 years who sacrificed blood, sweat and tears - and many their lives - to ensure that I am free to speak my mind, that I can attend any church I want, vote for (or vote out) any politician I want, even write the words I want to write. 

I think of the selflessness and the bravery of our military personnel who continue to fight for our freedom every day, some of whom have made-or will make-the ultimate sacrifice.  It's a daunting prospect, I'm sure, but still so many continue to choose to serve our country, and I'm so very grateful to them all. 

So this weekend, while you're feasting on all that fabulous barbecue, surrounded by your friends and family, watching those dazzling explosions in the sky and having all that fun, take a good long look at the American flag and remember how fortunate we all are that we can proudly display it without fear of reprisal.  In many countries, that freedom is not an option. 

And remind yourself, and those around you, that this holiday is about more than the 5 Fs...because our flag and our freedom are the greatest gifts of all.

Happy Birthday, America.  Thanks for being mine.  Now I'm going to go jump in the pool!