Happy 4th of July

Today, as you celebrate with your friends and families by cooking out, swimming, hanging out on the lake and shooting fireworks or any other various activity, take time to remember why we celebrate the 4th of July.

I come from a military family and fully understand and appreciate the sacrifices that were made before today and are still being made today so that you and I can live freely in this country that we call The United States of America.

If you know someone that has served or is serving our country in any way, take time today to not only thank them, but thank their family as well. I can't begin to tell you the support my family received when my dad was in Iraq and how much it meant to us that people saw the sacrifices we made, the things we gave up, when daddy was gone.

I wouldn't trade what my daddy does for anything. Because I know that he enjoys his job, and is making a difference in the lives of others, here and overseas. He's making our country safer while he's away and serving our country the only way that he knows how...by defending it.

Thank you, Daddy, for all the things you have done for me, our family, and our country. While I was sometimes bitter that you were gone during some of my most memorable times in high school, I was proud of you. You were doing what you believe is right and you did it proudly. Thank you for being one that heeded the calling to serve our country. You were only 17, a kid, when you chose your life's path by signing those papers. You didn't know what was in store for you, yet, you did it with an open heart and an open mind. Thank you for loving us, taking care of us, and fighting for us--overseas and in life. You have been, and always will be, MY HERO.