Happy Birthday, America! And thank you to more than one MILLION men and women who have died in battle since 1776. Because of them, every day is Independence Day in America.
Today, we celebrate those heroes and their families…and all those who are currently serving.
In the summer of 1776, a few colonists celebrated Independence Day by conducting mock funerals for King George, III, to symbolize the beginning of liberty and the end of the monarchy’s reign on the United States. Bonfires, parades, music concerts, and the firing of cannons were the usual festivities of Independence Day.
And, we are carrying on some of those traditions here at CC Career Solutions today. I’m ecstatic to be able to go out and socialize and take part in all the traditions we have come to know and love in our town. We surely missed all of the festivities last year due to COVID!
You may know that I live in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and we have the privilege of witnessing the largest fireworks show west of the Mississippi River. As you might imagine, it attracts guests to our town from all over the nation.
Our town is buzzing with travelers. The hotels are full. The campgrounds are full. The restaurants are full. And so boldly and fervently, you can just feel the energy and excitement again. It’s so nice because sadly, the Freedom Celebration was cancelled last year.
My favorite Independence Day memories…
For the past several years, my siblings have taken camp trailers to camp overnight very close to where the fireworks are set for liftoff. This year, my own family joined them! We have enjoyed them from other locations due to taking care of my disabled friend. So, I was so excited to spend time with my nieces and nephews at the ‘camp site’. They are all so fun!
Also, I have brothers and in-laws who happen to love fire power and cannons. We won’t talk about firing cannons, but let’s just say we really enjoy pyrotechnics. We always look forward to seeing and hearing the launch of more than 18,000 shells one after the other into the night sky over the banks of the Snake River in honor of America’s Founding Fathers, veterans, and service members—and as usual, it was spectacular!
Additionally, I have always enjoyed watching the kids write letters in the air with sparklers and it’s been a few years since my son did that—he’s officially an adult now. And although our dry fire conditions won’t allow sparklers during the festivities this year, it is a wonderful memory.
One of my favorite parts of past shows, in conjunction with the most impressive fireworks, is the meticulously choreographed music and narrative played via one of our local radio stations, KLCE, to every single adrenaline-filled shell launched.
It always evokes a lot of emotions in me. I typically have leaky eyes through most of the show because of the beautiful music and the gratitude it inspires for thousands of guests during this incredible show—and this year was no different.
Our must-see Independence Day show!
As quoted from FreedomCelebration, “Although the 28th Annual Melaleuca Freedom Celebration may be off the beaten path in Idaho Falls, Idaho, it’s worth the effort to behold this remarkable, competition-caliber fireworks show. This is one of the nation’s largest fireworks displays, and it’s appeared twice on the APA’s list of ‘Must-See Independence Day Fireworks Displays.’ … The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration is a must-see Independence Day show for every fireworks aficionado!”
There are an average of 10 shells per second for 31 minutes. Another thing I love is all the festivities throughout the day that pay tribute to our Founding Fathers, veterans, service members, and their families who have sacrificed to secure and preserve the freedoms of our great nation.
Here are some of my top music favorites from my Fourth of July playlist:
America, by Neil Diamond
American Soldier, by Toby Keith
God Bless America, by Celine Dion
Battle Hymn of the Republic, with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Live from West Point and West Point Band
Sweet Home Alabama, by Lynyrd Skynrd
Still A Soldier, by Trace Adkins
Made in America, by Toby Keith
Firework, by Katy Perry
R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A., by John Mellencamp
Born In The U.S.A., by Bruce Springsteen
Star Spangled Banner, by Whitney Houston
Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue, by Toby Keith
Living in America, by James Brown
And my all-time favorite is God Bless the USA, by Lee Greenwood. I never tire of hearing it.
The song definitely describes how grateful I am for so many blessings of independence.
“I thank my lucky stars to be living here today.
And I’m proud to be an American
where at least I know I’m free.
And, I won’t forget the men (and women) who died
who gave that right to me.
And, I’ll gladly stand up next to you
to defend her still today,
‘cause there ain’t no doubt
I love this land—God bless the USA.”
It’s an honor to write resumes and other career documents for our Federal and Military clients.
I’m so honored to work with our clients who are federal employees and military service men and women. They serve all of us. I love hearing their stories of how they serve and enjoy writing them in their federal resumes and narratives—whether they are transitioning military or from the corporate sector applying to begin serving in federal jobs—we have the best clients who are amazing leaders and individual contributors in their fields, with genuine love for us and our country.
These public servants, more often than not, quietly make a difference through their day-to-day positions so that we can enjoy Independence Day every single day!
What an honor it is to work with such incredible people, to be trusted to guide them in their various careers, and to support them in getting hired and promoted as they uphold us and the freedoms of our great nation.
“I have a dream…” for each of our clients to achieve their full potential.
What is your dream?
What is your favorite way to celebrate the Fourth of July?
And, what are some of your favorite Fourth of July Celebration songs?
Comment below and let me know. I’d love to hear from you!
For more than 25 years, I've been trusted by all levels of professionals to senior executives in the Federal Government to collaborate with them and strategize, coach, and write not only their single most important document—the resume—but all of their career marketing that propels them upward in the ranks of the Federal Government and private sector. And, I would love to meet you and help you with yours! Thank you for stopping by!
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