Happy 4th, y’all! Last night the hubs and I caught the movie Olympus Has Fallen, which I guess is somewhat appropriate for the holiday, despite being super violent and all that.
But hey, what’s not to love about a $8 date on buy one get one free movie night here in Grenada? Oh, and the popcorn is super cheap too, but that’s detratracting from the point of this post… which is that normally I am pretty happy to be on this island, but it’s hard not to miss the U.S.A. on days like this!
I’ve spent a lot of time living somewhere else, and it’s only increased my appreciation of all the liberties we have in the States. It’s been fun living on an island, sure, but I honestly can’t wait to get back. The saying is true: there’s really no place like home, and I definitely feel most comfortable on U.S. soil. So, if you are in the States today and want to show it some love for me, here are three ways you give back on July 4th:
1. Write a Note to a Member of the Military
My BFF Katie has been pen pals with a few soldiers over the last few years. She always clips news articles and sends packages. It really is the nicest thing. I know the soldiers appreciate it so much, and many of them have sent her e-mails thanking her. If you’ve always wanted to do something like this but never found the time, today is a good day to start. There are several organizations that you can join that help soldiers specifically.
2. Spend Time With The People You Love
Time is a gift, and if you have the day off today, enjoy it! Have a barbeque, light some fireworks, and hug your kiddos. Even better, bring some awesome food to your friends and family who have to work today like police officers, doctors, nurses, and anyone doing shift work.
3. Volunteer Your Time
Volunteering is philanthropy at it’s finest. There’s no greater gift you can give than a few hours of your time. Find a cause you believe in and put some heart and soul into it. Whether it’s anonymously helping a needy family or walking dogs at a shelter, just a few hours of your time can truly make someone’s day.
I’d love to hear how you are spending the holiday if you’re currently in the U.S., and if you’re not, maybe you can share some of your favorite ways to give back in the comment section below. I’m always down for hearing some new ideas. 🙂
We’ll be taking part in #2 today, hanging out with friends and family at a beach barbeque. But I understand what you mean about missing being in the US on certain days. Eating an egg salad sandwich for dinner while studying abroad on Thanksgiving day was definitely one of the days that I missed American soil the most. =)
I can relate! I hope you have an awesome day!
I like your idea of blessing people who have to work through bringing them food. There are so many people that have to work on the 4th and we often forget about them. I remember going to a coffee shop on Christmas Day last year and reflecting on the fact that so many people have to work on holidays.
We give back giving time and spending it with people less fortunate then us. I hate it when I see everyone else enjoying the holidays then you see others working it just bothers me. We definitely spend time with the people we love all the family try to get together for the 4th any way to celebrate my brother and my birthday.
Love your idea about writing a letter off to the military. We’ve done this a few times and it’s been a blessing to us as well as them. Great stuff here, Cat!
“Spend time with people you love…” Absolutely Cat! I spent last evening sitting on a beach in North Carolina with my kids watching fireworks over the water. Simple, beautiful memory that we’ll talk about for years to come.