Sunshine Patriots by Nannette Croce

In the most literal way we are all "sunshine patriots" in the US. Turning out on a midsummer day to wave flags and ooh and ahhh at fireworks. The finish of this July 4th weekend and recent remarks by Senator Barack Obama has me reflecting on patriotism.

Many of us today associate "patriot" with the veterans whose graves we decorate on the first official summer holiday––Memorial Day. Our military does make the ultimate sacrifice, but in the eyes of the Founding Fathers "patriots" are also those pesky protesters of every war. It is common, today, to speak of questioning our government as a right, but to the founding fathers it was more than that, it was a duty. It was the People who would keep their government honest, by constantly questioning its actions. The government served at their will. The People ran the country, not the Congress, not the Judiciary, and certainly not the President. Nothing would have horrified the supporters of independence and the framers of the Constitution more than the notion that patriotism requires marching in lock step with whatever the President or the Congress decides to do.

So what does this all have to do with gratitude? I am grateful to those enlightened individuals who put their lives on the line (had the outcome been different they could have all hanged for treason) in the cause of this truly revolutionary idea. I express that gratitude by reminding myself and others what it all really means and what it requires from us to keep it working as our forefathers intended.

The 5th of July by Angie Ledbetter

The smell of sulfur and the litter of fireworks all over the yard mingle with the morning sun coming up over the lake. All the kids and their friends are still asleep from all the frantic lighting, throwing, shooting from bottles of firecrackers, water dynamite, and fireworks of every description. They'll have a lot to clean up after they wake up and have breakfast, but I suppose the yard chores are worth the excitement and expense of watching those colored rainbows explode in the sky and reflected again in the water.

Seeing the trash and smelling the leftover aroma of harmless colorful explosives naturally brings to mind the deadly explosions of warfare and heavy artillery. It's the day after the US celebrates its independence, but there are many who did not get to party, BBQ, spend time with friends and loved ones, or even have a decent meal -- our soldiers and support personnel. It has always been so when sacrifices are called for, and I imagine it will always be so.

Yesterday and today I remember these people who fight and have fought for our freedoms, for they are the ones who have allowed my family to spend frivolous, enjoyable time together away from home and work. Words are inadequate forms of gratitude for them, but they will be remembered in prayer by many. I am ever-grateful to veterans, current military people and their families.

Thank you for your decision to stand between us and threat. Thank you for your ability to protect the innocent and oppressed. Thank you for making it possible for me to look over the landscape and see the deeper meaning of the celebration and for the knowledge that after every celebration, there is still work to do. May the glory of this early morning sunrise be somehow transmitted to you and the ones you love.