Cord Byrd: “many Americans will soon enjoy a long 3-day weekend, courtesy of the Fourth of July, which this year falls on a Monday.…”

“many Americans will soon enjoy a long 3-day weekend, courtesy of the Fourth of July, which this year falls on a Monday. The Fourth of July is a wonderful time. Summer's heat has not yet worn us down. School has not been out so long that the days have begun to drag for the younger set--or for their parents. We are not tired of the season or of each other. The growth of the grass has slowed, so that weekends are not spent on mowing and yard work, but leaves some time for picnics and pools. Gardens are beginning to pour forth their bounty, but not yet in such abundance that we have become desperate to unload mounds of zucchini and tomatoes. Wild blackberries. I remember when I was a boy, reaching around the shed and picking off a few wild blackberries and having the color of the blackberries stain my lips. Wild blackberries are ripening along the edges of fields and the heavy perfume of honeysuckle vines makes rural walks a feast--a feast-- for the senses. The Fourth of July is a perfect time to glory in the gentle bounty of our Nation and of our Nation's families. Independence Day, together with Thanksgiving and Christmas, remains a uniquely family-oriented celebration. When Americans reflect on our freedom, our security, our liberties, our many blessings, we like to do it among our closest friends and family. Fourth of July parades--oh man, man, man, they will bring out the crowds along community main streets, big towns, little towns, middle- size towns.…”