The Star-Spangled Banner

Every year I struggle to craft my 4th of July post. I have trouble putting words together in a way that accurately and adequately expresses both my love for this country and my fear for its direction. I want to commemorate the adoption of our country's Declaration of Independence and celebrate our history, government, traditions, and above all else, national and individual freedoms. I also want - need - to show respect and support for those to whom freedom has not yet been granted.

Eventually I realized that the best words to achieve these goals aren't actually mine, so this year I'm borrowing those of Francis Scott Key, in the form of the National Anthem and sung by my "other" sister at (amazingly enough) a recent Chicago Cubs baseball game. (I can't embed the video, but you can see it here - password is Vandermause.)

Happy 4th of July, friends!

If you're planning on playing with fireworks tonight, please read the fireworks safety link below. I wrote this post for the Red Cross a few years ago, but the information still rings true. Be safe! Fireworks 411, So You Don't Need 911.