A Conflicted 4th of July

The 4th of July has always been my favorite holiday. Especially growing up in Michigan, it meant swimming, boating, eating hot dogs, drinking red pop, roasting marshmallows and setting off (sometimes illegal) fireworks. I’ve never given it a second thought. I always appreciated that it wasn’t a religious holiday so it felt like more people could celebrate.

evan cordes and I got married on July 4th. Mainly to celebrate at at time of year that would be festive and beautiful in Michigan, bringing back good memories of my childhood. It was a beautiful event with a big tent, a pig roast, a funk band and a hundred of our closest friends and family. It felt like a very special day.

And now 4 years later, I celebrate my anniversary…and I recognize the complexities of a holiday celebrating freedom, but for whom. And what is the “right” way to celebrate? This article outlining the different protests that have taken place on July 4th make me happy. Make me feel patriotic. Make me feel like there is still so much fighting for to have independence for all.

Also, this awesome woman who climbed up the base of the Statue of Liberty!