Happy 4^th of July to everyone, everywhere (stop and think about it, worldwide there is a July 4^th)! And to Americans everywhere, a Happy Independence Day! I hope you have had a fun and safe weekend so far celebrating!

Today, I reiterate my thanks to our Founding Fathers (and Mothers), veterans, and soldiers everywhere for our nation’s independence, for fighting for our original freedom and rights up to those who defend those liberties today. More so, I extend a huge thank you to two very special groups of RMT’ers: those women abroad representing America as active military; and those women leading our military families here at home. These extraordinary ladies might need to hear that not just today but a heck of a lot more often than they do. I hope you join me in my gratitude.

I hope you and your families are enjoying the long weekend together picnicking, parading, and firework’ing (viewing and/or launching, whatever is legal in your neck of the woods). Whether you are having a quiet holiday with just you and yours or whooping it up at the larger community events, please try to take a moment today to stop and reflect (and educate the kiddos) on what today truly means.

One of my favorite annual TV specials airs tonight on PBS, “A Capitol Fourth” (click http://www.pbs.org/capitolfourth/ for show times in your area). This musical and theatrical spectacular makes for nice, relaxing nighttime viewing after what will likely be a busy and active day. Whether you set the DVR to watch at another time after you wrap up your in-person celebrations or you manage to catch it live as your fireworks display (since sadly so many cities and towns have canceled fireworks displays  for varying reasons over the years), “A Capitol Fourth” is fantastic forced family fun (if you can’t force family fun on the 4^th of July, when can you?!).

Happy Birthday, America!