Independence Day [SAFE]

We all know the rhythm of the 4th of July. The smell of charcoal and barbecue sauce. The ice-cold clink of drinks in a cooler. The jarring pop of firecrackers from the neighbor’s driveway three days early.

That silence is the sound of soldiers not marching down your street. That silence is the sound of a press printing whatever it wants without government approval. That silence is the sound of you getting to live your life—however messy, boring, or beautiful it is—without asking for permission. Independence Day

The stars are 50 distinct points, spread across a field of blue. They don't touch. They are separate. But they are bound together by the same stripes—the red of hardiness and the white of purity. We all know the rhythm of the 4th of July

More Than Just a Day Off: Reflecting on the Cost of Freedom The jarring pop of firecrackers from the neighbor’s

That silence is the rarest sound in human history. Most people, for most of time, have not had it. This year, try upgrading your celebration. Do the burgers and the sparklers—absolutely. But also try these three things:

Not just a generic "Thank you for your service." Find one. Look them in the eye. Say: "I’m eating this hot dog because you did your job. I appreciate it."