Oops.

Well, I guess it’s a good thing I’m not talking about the movie, Independence Day, but rather about the holiday of the [...]]]> The aliens have arrived. We’ve found a signal in the static. It’s a countdown. I’m sure it’s nothing, though. They’d never have a saucer hovering over the White House if they meant us harm. Right?

Oops.

Well, I guess it’s a good thing I’m not talking about the movie, Independence Day, but rather about the holiday of the same name.

Yes, I love July 4th and not just because it’s a good day to blow stuff up. Well, a particularly good day to blow stuff up. I mean, let’s face it: every day is a good day to blow stuff up.

Quick question: Do they have July 4th in England? Not-so-quick answer: Yes, of course. It comes right between July 3rd and July 5th. They just don’t celebrate American independence day on July 4th. Heh. Trick question.

Anyway, I do love Independence Day. I’m not one of those “‘Murica, love it or leave it” types, but I do love this country. Despite all the flaws, it’s a great place to be. Let me paraphrase an old saying: America is the worst country in the world, excpet for all the others. Yes, our country’s face is full of warts, but it’s a nice face anyway. Especially now that we’re not actively torturing people. Sorry. Politics just slipped out.

Moving on. I love this country so much I’m willing to sacrafice any kind of important content so I can go out, cook on the grill, blow stuff up with the little dudes and eat Fresca Floats, which really are better than they sound.

You need to get out there as well. Go. Have fun.

– Richard

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Originally started as a way to honor Union soldiers who died in the American Civil War, the holiday was known as Decoration [...]]]> For a lot of Americans, today is a day of cook outs and fun and a day off from work. But I’d like to talk a little bit about the real purpose of Memorial Day.

Originally started as a way to honor Union soldiers who died in the American Civil War, the holiday was known as Decoration Day until it was expanded after WWI to honor soldiers who fell in any armed conflict. Today, we’re honoring those members of the armed forces who died to make sure we could continue to have a (relatively) free country.

And all that is wonderful and good.

But I’d like to see us also celebrate those soldiers, sailors, air men, marines and other members of the armed forces who actually made it out alive. I know we’ve got Veteran’s Day for that, but I think it’s important to let them know we’re thinking about them more than one time a year. Now, if you know me, you know I’m not one to buy into the fetishization of the armed forces, making them out to be paragons of virtue who can do no wrong.

However, they have chosen a dangerous occupation, one designed to keep me safe at very little risk to me. For that, they deserve more than just complacency. They deserve our thanks and our appreciation.

So, here it is. Thanks, dudes and dudettes. Thanks for taking on the hard job. Thanks for doing your job when you’re sometimes being directed by idiots and doing it to the best of your ability. Thank you for your sacrafice. Thank you for your dedication.

Now get out there and find a service member to thank.

– Richard

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