Independence Day, July 4th, the 4th of July-all the same day, but each one
has a certain, special importance to us. Some 237 years after we declared our
independence, many forget or never knew what it is like to be under subjection
to a government that restricts our freedom. Today it has become all about car
sales, clothing sales, picnics, and another day off with pay-but the reason we
are able to enjoy these things is freedom. Something hard to explain until you
don’t have it. Much like when the Supreme Court Justice was asked to define
pornography, and answered, “I can’t describe it, but I know it when I see it.”
FDR even came out with the Four Freedoms, and were exemplified by a famous
Norman Rockwell painting by the same name-we have freedom to worship, freedom
from want, freedom from fear, and freedom of speech. But with freedom comes a
responsibility so that we don’t abuse them and in turn lose those freedoms. So
for many years we have looked for the perfect 4th of July celebrations when we
are on the road travelling nationwide. We have had some special times in
Quakertown, Pa. enjoying their Family Day celebration-baseball games, cars
shows, great food, firemen competition from the volunteer fire departments, band
concerts, and then the fireworks. A great day of fun which totally wears you
out-great fun usually does that to you. So you can sleep better. But this year
being close to home, Central California, we decided to revisit Templeton, Arroyo
Grande, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles. Four towns all within 45 miles,
leaving us enough time to catch all their ceremonies. In the past there have
been variations on the theme, such as the Hollister Independence Day Rally,
fireworks at Pismo Beach, and church picnics. Real America-the real freedom to
enjoy.
This 4th of July had us starting out in Templeton, watching the parade that
goes around the block. Old cars, Sherriff’s posse, kids on tractors, shepherds
herding goats, and the various social clubs all participate, and in 100 degree
heat they still manage a smile. Then it is on to the City Park, where clubs
have set up booths, a live band plays in the gazebo, and anything from pulled
pork to grilled corn on the cob is sold. Children’s games, an auction, and a
time when the old folks get together and tell stories of how it was when they
were young, a time to relive precious memories of this town and time of 4000.
So as we sat and ate our pulled pork sandwiches, sold by the local baseball
club, we sat at a long picnic table, tired from the parade, and listened to the
locals tell stories. Across the field some large inflatable balls had kids
inside them, rolling around in water, and food was everywhere. Not being a
local, you can feel left out, but Templeton made us feel welcome, and it was
good to return there after being in Quakertown the past few years.
But having stayed too long in Templeton, we missed SLO’s ceremonies, and
headed to Arroyo Grande. Where the temperature was a pleasant 78 degrees,
cooler but still not as cool as going through Pismo in the fog in the 60’s.
Amazing how the 60’s can be warm in winter, but cold in summer. And Arroyo
Grande was, and always is the best part of the day. They feature a band concert
in the park, playing in the gazebo. The town band, quite good, plays songs from
the 40’s, WWII songs, and patriotic songs. Almost 4000 people gathered in lawn
chairs, blankets, and the seating provided. A group of women my mother’s age
sang all the songs, they were still in high school when the war broke out. This
group from the Greatest Generation was enjoying a freedom that had cost them,
having grown up in the Great Depression, and knowing or knowing of someone who
lost their lives in the war-to help us keep our freedom. While young children
marched to the tunes, and old men reminisced, the band played on. I still enjoy
a live band, with no electrical enhancements, so good to hear the flutes,
clarinets, saxophones, and bells-all reminding me of freedom. From the Star
Spangled Banner, to their traditional ending of playing the Armed Services
Songs, with each group standing when their song was played, we got to
acknowledge them and thank them one more time. But a highlight for me was
during intermission, meeting a man called John, 93 years old, who had served
under Patton in North Africa, and then in Korea. Who from age 21-33 served his
country, mostly in battle, and how he was so filled with a pride for what he had
done. A special day for him. Another one was eating my choclate dipped, frozen
cheesecake, and having another older couple giving me a hard time because I
wouldn’t share it. They ended up with their own. And no they didn’t share.
But hearing the stories, seeing the quilt raffled off, and seeing the community
together as one reminded me of how great America was, and still is today. Even
parking the Tiger next to a 1939 Cadillac seemed to be right. And as the band
played longer than usual, we passed on SLO’s Farmer’s Market-a must any other
day, and headed back to Paso, where the fireworks had been cancelled due to
budgetary constraints. But that was OK-as tomorrow was Hollister-and we needed
the rest. Another great 4th of July celebration. I was on overload-and so glad
to be an American.
Fr. Al’s favorite song was God Bless America. How many times we sang it at
the chapel. And the words echo in me today. God bless America, beautiful words
that to me have lost their meaning to many. They don’t know Jesus, who made our
freedom possible, and freedom for them is just a day off. Another six pack, and
not acknowledging God for America. This wonderful country that God has shed His
grace on, is hurting. We have lost our focus, and instead of being on God, and
what we can do for others, it is on us, and what they can do for us. We are
giving up our freedoms by not exercising them. Because of Jesus we can worship
Him as we want-in freedom. He promises to meet all our needs-freedom from
want. Psalm 23-I shall not want. We should have no fear, as if He is for us,
who can be against us? It is hard to find even the hardest vet denying God has
played a part in the US of A. Jesus and patriotism just go together. And we
have freedom of speech, which shows our freedom of choice. Jesus doesn’t force
Himself on you-it is a choice you make to accept Him. And we can still pray,
and express ourselves freely in most places today. For if God hadn’t sent
Jesus, we would have no freedom to enjoy, and His grace would not have been shed
on us America. Remember that next time you sing a patriotic song-make it a hymn
to God-a time of worship and praise! He’ll provide the fireworks.
Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. And the US of A proves
that more than any other country in the history of our planet. Endowed by a
Creator, and proving that all men are created equal-we are all born into sin, it
takes Jesus to rescue us out of it. Remember 2Chronicles 7:14 today, let it be
your prayer for America, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble
themselves and pray, I will hear from heaven, and deliver their land".”
Where were you on the 4th? More importantly, where are you with Jesus?
God Bless America. Today let America bless God!
love with compassion,
MIke
matthew25biker.blogspot.com