It’s almost a certainty that you’ve heard some of the things I’m about to relate to you. For instance — we didn’t actually declare our independence on July 4, 1776. Only two men actually signed it that day. The second, third and fifth presidents all died on a July 4th. Adams, number two, believed that we should celebrate on July 2nd — the actual day the Continental Congress passed the vote. The average age of the signers was 45 years old and the chief writer, Thomas Jefferson was only 33. Franklin was 70 at that time. Jefferson wrote it on a desk designed to fit over your lap for convenience that was called a “laptop.” We spend more than a billion dollars on fireworks for the day. They date back to 1777, by the way. It wasn’t an official American holiday until 1870. Finally, and I love this one, we’ll eat 150 million hot dogs that day. (Hope they’re Hoffman’s—they’re all I can eat).

Having said all that, I don’t think it matters what day we celebrate being Americans as long as we recognize the occasion and embrace it. The 4th is our day because it’s been declared the right day. Celebrate and remember why we are able to celebrate. I always have and will again. The poem that I have for you is actually a song I wrote many years ago for the occasion. This will be the first time it’s published, but I hope it explains exactly why I feel lucky to be an American, even with today’s problems. It’s called, strangely enough— “The Fourth of July!”

This is the day that we celebrate our freedom.

This is the day for the red, white and blue.

We look to the skies to see each burst of glory.

It helps us remember what our countrymen went through.

The fourth of July is the heart of America.

The flag is the symbol of our spirit holding true.

Red is the blood that’s been shed in every battle.

Purity and faith are shown by white and blue.

Refrain: This is our homeland, we must always keep it free.

Make each that would challenge us respect our liberty.

Yes — this is the day that we celebrate our freedom.

This is the day for the red, white and blue.

As you look to the sky and see a burst of glory,

Let it serve to remind you of the battles we’ve been through.

We’ll march on the streets and lift our banners proudly,

Millions and millions who hold this nation dear.

If any a despot should think our spirit lacking,

He’ll look upon our people and get the message clear.

Refrain

So, shoot off the fireworks and let the music play.

The country’s celebrating and this is our day.

Hang out your banners and shake your neighbor’s hand.

This is for America so strike up the band.

Repeat last verse and last line. JDF

Joke: A police recruit was asked during his interview, “What would you do if you were required to arrest your own mother?” Without blinking an eye, he answered, ”I’d call for back-up.”

Favorite one-liners:

• If a woman says to you, “Correct me if I’m wrong!” Don’t do it. It’s a trap!

• Gas prices crept down like a tiptoeing mouse and then they shot back up like a fleeing gazelle.

• No matter how big a hammer you use, you can’t pound common sense into some people.

• Some people suck the life out of you. Why can’t they just take the fat.

• I remember when snap, crackle and pop were not noises coming from my body.

Happy 4th. Enjoy and be safe. JDF