‘‘It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.” These are the words of the second President of the United States, John Adams, when speaking of the celebration of Independence Day when he was urging its official recognition. He also wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, ‘‘I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.” President Adams could not have known back then just how true his words would prove to be. Two hundred thirty-three years later Independence Day is still celebrated every year on July 4th.
It was on July 4, 1776, while meeting in Philadelphia, that the Second Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. The 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence [from Great Britain] did so with great courage, for it was considered an act of treason, punishable by death. Following its adoption, the reading of the Declaration spread from town to town across our young nation. When heard by Colonial Patriots they exploded with rejoicing cheers, celebrations and joyful expression.
Today, while we don’t celebrate with guns or bonfires, Independence Day is still one of our more ‘‘dangerous” holidays. I’d like to take this opportunity to impress upon you the absolute importance of safety. I know you’ve heard this from me before, and it may be sounding like a broken record, but I’m compelled to remind you once again.
Please drive carefully! Get enough sleep if you’re traveling long distances. Avoid being on the road between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Statistically, there is an increased risk for accidents during that timeframe. Don’t drink and drive, period! PLEASE WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT!!! Seat belts DO save lives and it IS the LAW. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics estimate that 15,632 lives were saved in 2005 alone by the use of seat belts.
Use extra caution around fireworks. Fireworks contain deadly amounts of explosives. They are frequently dangerous and always unpredictable. Emergency Rooms are on overdrive at this time of the year due to the frequency of burn injuries from fireworks. Do not add to the tally of countless burns, blistered hands, burnt property and traumatized family pets. Please use extra caution when using fireworks or leave it to the professionals.
As you enjoy the fireworks and other traditional festivities, please remember our troops deployed and those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Think of all the generations of American Heroes that paid this price, from the Revolutionary War up to the present conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Keep our troops that are serving in harm’s way in your thoughts and prayers and never forget that FREEDOM ISN’T FREE.
Please have a wonderful and enjoyable 4th of July. And please remember your life and well being are very important to your family, shipmates, and me. No one can ever replace the uniqueness you bring to the world. PLEASE KEEP SAFE while enjoying the Independence Day holiday.
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