July Fourth: Amazingly, it is upon us. We at Bullhorn Media, know it’s time for barbecues, picnics, pool parties, and fabulous firework displays. So, we take this opportunity to wish you a Star Spangled Happy Independence Day!
In honoring Independence day, we have set aside our usual topics. And, instead, this issue focuses on July Fourth wishes: A few Bullhorn blasts about Freedom, and a big issue summer highway safety.
Quotes on Freedom: A Bullhorn Blast for the Red, White and Blue!
July Fourth: Our Freedom Story…
As we begin this blog, we thought you’d appreciate a couple of amazing quotes about freedom:
- You see, July 4th often brings us so much fun with picnics, parties and beach celebrations that we forget what “Independence Day” means.
- Happy 244th Birthday, USA! We have discovered that freedom, like beauty, is a very individualized concept, special in differing ways, to different people.
July Fourth and A Little Shameless Patriotism
On one hand, to John Wayne, July 4 style meant, “Sure I wave the American flag! Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I’m not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be.”
Now that is a philosophy that is difficult to fault. On the other hand, we also have to agree with Oprah Winfrey who stated, “The great courageous act that we must all do, is to have the courage to step out of our history and past so that we can live our dreams. But we don’t look past all of our history; some very good men shaped it.”
Certainly, they are wonderful, powerful words from two very different Icons of modern America!
Reminder: COVID-19 and Reopening Your Biz
However, before we fall into a world of fireworks, picnics, and party celebrations, we would like to remind you that it’s not to late to begin upgrading your COVID-19 reopening capabilities. Previously, we pointed this out in last week’s blog…
“Coping with COVID-19 restrictions involves communication. Photography and video helps you communicate. Therefore, we sincerely suggest you upgrade your photography, graphics and website content to reflect the new look of life in the 21st century. We are waiting to show you how to update your branding with fine media. Certainly,, you will be amazed.”
And now…back to celebrating July Fourth
What Does July Fourth (Independence Day) Mean to You?
Independence Beach Celebration: Fun in the Sun…
If you have more than one answer, you’re probably not alone. Certainly, it is a complex question and every individual probably has a slightly different thought. To some, it may only mean parties and fireworks. To others, there may be deeper meanings.
However, in our quest, we thought it wise to consult some of the famous figures in history. Here are some of the thoughts we found. We hope they bring you a smile, and a little bit of thought about the holiday.
- From the start of the Revolutionary war, we hear Thomas Paine say, “He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself”…
- For a more whimsical take on the holiday, we turn to Erma Bombeck. She said, “You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers… But instead, with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.”
- For inspiration we turn to the words of Ronald Reagan. He stated, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the blood stream. 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.” …Ronald Reagan
July Fourth and Beyond: Safety First
We recognize this is an important Holiday for safety, health and security of our families and communities. Therefore, it has to be for these reasons the National Safety Council named July as National Safety Month July Fourth Holiday. So let’s celebrate not only July 4, but all summer long with a few extra safety tips.
The Fourth of July is the most dangerous time to be on the highways of Florida, or any Hometown, U.S.A.
Safety Alert: Most Dangerous Time for America’s Highways
In 2007, a National Safety Council (NSC) press release named July the nation’s deadliest month and July 4th is still the “most dangerous U.S. holiday.” This is thanks to the “combination of extra travel, alcohol, and fireworks. “…The NSC re-affirmed. Although COVID-19 warnings might keep a lot of people home this year, recent statistics show expectations of 480–540 traffic fatalities.
Adding to that possibility, there could be 57,800 medically-significant injuries. Now, you’ll understand why we are issuing a Bullhorn Media Special Safety Alert for travel over the July Fourth Holiday.
Safety Tips: July Fourth Holiday Traffic
Stay Safe: Professional Fireworks Displays are Both Beautiful and Fun.
We join the Florida Highway Patrol and law enforcement agencies everywhere by presenting you with our Fourth of July Survival Tips:
1. Life is not an action movie.
When it comes to driving, we wish you would not pretend you are in “Fast and Furious” or “The Dukes of Hazard.“
We are pretty certain you are not stuntmen. To clarify, speed kills–and speed maims.
2. Rule of life, “You Must Buckle Up! Click it or Ticket!”
So, we join the highway patrolmen in the belief that buckling your seat-belt can really save your life. In fact, we actually heard a highway patrolman state, “I have never unbuckled a dead body.” That gave us chills, even in this July Fourth Holiday heat.
By the way did you know that a recent study revealed that 59 percent of the people killed in US car accidents, during the week-end of July 4th, were not wearing seat belts? (Cringe!)
3. In Praise Of The D.D.!
Here’s a very special safety tip for those of you who indulge in party drinks: If you are going to be the driver of a car, “designated” or not, then please resist having beer with your burger, or pina coladas with your picnic.
4. Fireworks Frenzy!
For years we have wished people would leave the pyrotechnics to the pros! Already, even as we write this blog, we know emergency rooms will be full of injuries, large and small.
Our Terrific Take-Aways
Through Out History, America’s Men and Women Have Sacrificed to Defend Our Liberty.
We are not spoilsports. Bullhorn Media wishes you great fun with family and friends. However, we have learned the hard way that if you forget the booze and remember the sun screen lotion, you can survive our July Fourth Holiday.
Therefore, we offer you the above survival tips because we do not want you to meet any real angels on this fabulous Independence week-end.
Please, as you respect your responsibilities, enjoy the freedoms America has won for us. And Finally, we close by sharing a star-spangled patriotic treat that is very close to our hearts. Enjoy this quotation of one of our favorite patriotic songs:
God Bless The USA
by Lee Greenwood
If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.
Proud To Be An American!
And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,