Today is the July 4th, Independence Day. We celebrate the birth of our great nation – The United States of America. And if we sound overly proud that we live in America, it’s only because we are!
Celebrate Independence Day.
We at Sterling Photography International ask that you celebrate the 4th of July with us. And instead of our usual topics of weddings, gowns and photographic specialties, we ask that you share some special Independence Day thoughts, safety alerts, and holiday statistics.
We also celebrate with by honoring some of our bridal couples in the accompanying photo gallery on this page.
July Fourth is a great time for celebration. It’s a thrilling, grilling, fun time for picnics, barbecues, cook-outs, parades, and parties. It’s a time to delight in the liberty and freedom that is part of the legacy of this country.
We know you will cherish the memories you make with family, friends, and fun over this patriotic Holiday.
Sterling Photography International would like to take this moment to wish you
A Happy, Healthy, and Safe July 4, 2018.
As July 4th is on Wednesday, this might, In fact, become a full Week of
Red, White and Blue Festivities!
Independence Day: What is the true meaning of the 4th Fourth of July?
We hope that in the midst of all the festivities, you and your family take a moment to examine what it really means, to be an American.
Between the hot dogs, music, and fireworks, we hope you can find a few quiet moments to savor the real meaning of July 4th. And remember the heroes that that has made our freedom possible. Below are a few quotations from famous leaders and champions of the USA.
We hope these words help you, as you pause to think of the real meaning behind Independence Day.
Messages for Your Independence Day Reflection:
President Harry S. Truman made this observation. “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage,
on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.”
Founding father, John Adams believed in Freedom.
“They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
John F. Kennedy spoke on the right of free speech:
“We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights is the guardian of our security as well as our liberty.”
President Ronald Reagan summed it up well with these words. They are especially appropriate for an Independence Day.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for,
protected, and handed on for them to do the same.
Or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s
children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
Family Gatherings, Fun Times and Possible Dangers
Families and friends are gathering for the long July 4th holiday. We will be sharing fun activities including fireworks, swimming on our beautiful Florida beaches. And outdoor picnics may in our plans. Be aware. Our Florida sun can cause severe burns.
Caution. There are potential dangers in every holiday. But be aware July 4th is the deadliest day of all the holidays on our nation’s roads.
Be Safe Driving to Your Destination
Please Drive Carefully! AAA projects that a record 46.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more over the July 4 Holiday.
It is estimated that some 164 people may lose their lives on the roadways during the Independence Day holiday period, 2018. And an additional 18,600 may be seriously injured in motor vehicle crashes. This data was released by professionals at the National Safety Council (NSC).
Alcohol, July 4 Traffic, and Gas Do Not Make a Good Cocktail
The NSC states that “During the 2016 Independence Day period, 41% of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.” And that is the highest percentage among all the major holiday categories.
Our advice is:
- Stay focused behind the wheel
- leave early and avoid record-breaking crowds,
- travel at the speed limit
- and avoid alcohol while driving.
Don’t be one of that 41 percent of alcohol-related accidents.
Fireworks Also Can Pose a Deadly Danger
The Florida Department of Health has issued the following warning.
“Each July 4th, thousands of people are injured while using consumer fireworks.” They continued. “Thousands of these were children.” And the Health Dept. representative pointed out that there were deadly dangers associated with fireworks. Some of these dangers include “devastating burns, other injuries, fires and even death.”
Watch Out for sparklers. We normally think sparklers are safe. And yet, sparklers cause approximately 25 percent of the emergency room visits
Our primary tip: Be sure to watch and supervise children. Especially watch little ones who are in the vicinity of any fireworks. The National Fire Protection Association has strong feelings about fireworks. Their viewpoint is: “Be safe. If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show. They are performed by experts. Do not use consumer fireworks.”
If you are on vacation or even staying home, please exercise caution. Sterling Photography International urges you to keep your family safe.
Again, in spite of the seasonal hazards mentioned above, Sterling wishes you and your family a great, Star-Spangled Fourth of July holiday.
