- Commentary
America's Birthday
The Fourth of July means a lot of things to a lot of people but the actual root of
the holiday is the birth of America.
As members of the fire service I would like to believe that we are people who
are people of service to others but I know that is not always the case.
If it is America's Birthday today, then we as Americans and as members of the
fire service should give America some presents. I have some thoughts on what
presents we can afford and should consider giving as presents:
As citizens, lets give the gift of tolerance so that from today on we are a
little more tolerant of others, in their actions, or beliefs or words.
As members of the fire service let us carry on in the traditions of the
George Washington's and Thomas Jefferson's who were members of the
early American fire service for the right reasons; To promote the common
good and be helpful toward a fellow man. (It was not just about pay and
benefits for them!)
As members of the fire service let us continue to strive to better ourselves
while at the same time being mindful of all of the things that we have in
this profession that are unlike all others.
As members of the fire service on Amaerica's birthday let us take the
words of president Lincoln who made statements about a"... house
divided cannot stand". Think about the union and management, paid and
call and volunteer, city and rural, etc.. The fire service should begin to
speak as one professional public safety voice regardless of which of the
various segments above that you belong to.
As citizens and members of the fire service take stock today in all of the
men and women who have gone before us that gave us the freedoms that
we now enjoy. The veterans of wars, the fire service members who have
given their lives, and just loved ones that have gone before us.
Smile, celebrate, worship, speak, and be free of fear because in America
we can do all of that.
Have a great holiday weekend, stay safe, and remember that all of us
collectively might be the best birthday present America really has!
(If you are having trouble sending email in, send to info@petelamb.com. My new mail
carrier has not caught up with the site yet and there have been reports of mail being kicked
back.)
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