The Fourth of July is a day when even colorless hearts are splashed with bright reds, pure whites, and patriotic blues. Small towns gather to watch parades in the morning and firework shows at night. People who have known each other since childhood stand side by side, cheering for the country and the colors. The smell of barbeque wafts across every lawn and patio; watermelon smiles and lemonade-stained lips mark the faces of all ages. Fireworks dull the stars and display shining colors, proclaiming to every person within miles that this is a time to celebrate. Everyone feels like family and every soul is grasping the beauty of life, hope, and home.

America is stunning on this day, dressed to the nines. This is her day of freedom and she embraces it, showing her people what it is to be proud; proud of who she is and what she has overcome. Her people rejoice on this day for every struggle that we have conquered and for the beauty that our country is growing into. America loves to love. There is hardly any doubt about that. She takes in those who are running from oppression; her people give help and care whenever it is needed. I believe that her love and acceptance is what makes this country so beautiful.

Though many might disagree with decisions that the United States has made, there is no doubt that we have come a very long way. Prejudice against race, sexuality, and gender have legally been abolished. Wars have been bravely fought and won. Technology and science have constantly progressed through the years. I cannot even attempt to summarize all of America’s accomplishments, but I revel in celebrating them on our Independence Day, the day that proclaims to the world that we are FREE. This freedom is not cheap and should not go unappreciated. July 4th may be the only day that is specifically set aside to celebrate our liberty as a nation. It should not be the only day that we remember how blessed we are to live in a free country.

So, let the flags soar high. Let her anthems float on the breeze. Be proud of the red, white, and blue on our sundresses and bow ties. Cheer for the floats in the town parade. Light sparklers in the night to complement the fireworks. Embrace every aspect of our Independence Day and engrave the spirit of American freedom upon your hearts. Let us rejoice in the knowledge that we are the Land of the Free.