The Fourth of July is by far my favorite holiday, hands down. Thanksgiving is a really close second, but the Fourth will always be number one.

And you ask how? With so much going wrong in our country, how could this be my favorite holiday? How could I celebrate when our Presidency is torn between Trump and Hillary of all people? With so many innocent lives being lost to terroristic attacks, what’s to celebrate?

Bad things are happening everywhere around us, whether its here at home or somewhere over seas. Bad things are always going to happen, but why let those terrible situations stop you from loving and celebrating your country? If I’ve learned anything in my 21 years of life, it’s that there will always be bad people in this world and people that see no wrong in their actions will never change. Why should they stop you from celebrating our Independence Day?

Here’s the thing- they shouldn’t.

About a week before the Fourth, red, white and blue start showing up everywhere: stores, firework stands and even the clothes people wear. Yes, I think the Fourth should be a major celebration and red, white and blue should be everywhere, but why just today? We love America so much for about a week, and then she never crosses our mind again. We honor the men and women who fought, and those who are still fighting, for defending our freedom and then we forget all about them.

In my opinion, America and our Independence Day should be celebrated everyday, not just once a year. Yes, it definitely deserves a holiday, no doubt. But we genuinely need to love our country again. We need to say that Pledge of Allegiance, sing along with the National Anthem and remember that this is the Land of the Free because of the brave.

This Fourth of July, spend time with family and friends. Hit the river. Eat some BBQ. Crack open a cold beer. Wear red, white and blue. Fly your flag high, like you should everyday. Thank the Lord for everything you have. Set off tons of fireworks- unless you live next to a Combat Veteran. Celebrate however you want, but don’t forget the reason you’re celebrating.

You’re living in a country where you have the freedom to do so many things that people in other countries could only dream of. Look at Mexico right now. They’re fighting for education and you’re probably thanking God you don’t have to attend class during the summer. Sure, we have our faults and our shortcomings, but that's because we as people and a nation will never be flawless. And we still take so many things for granted that people around the world are praying for, wishing for, fighting for.

So while you’re celebrating, take some time to remember the real reason for this holiday. It’s not just so you can get drunk wearing red, white and blue and take a picture with the flag draped around your shoulders. Remember the sacrifices people made just to get here. Remember every obstacle we have overcome as a country. Remember those that paid the ultimate sacrifice: their life. Remember what it means to truly be an American.

Put aside your hate, your problems and your small-mindedness, and remember that we are all Americans. That's worth celebrating.

God Bless and Happy Birthday America!