Last night my family and I had the opportunity to attend the annual concert, Faith, Family & Freedom, here in Charlotte that’s hosted by two local radio stations. We have lived in this area for almost six years but this was the first time we have been able to go. And it was absolutely amazing! The seats at the race track, where it was held, were packed with a sea of 17,000 people.

After four hours of awesome music (and about ten terrifying minutes of a motocross stunt demonstration), two huge screens on either side of the stage switched from playing live feed of the event, to a video that featured an elderly veteran listening to news on the radio, about three teenagers who had defaced a war memorial. The crowd in the stadium was completely silenced as we watched this man turn to his young grandsons, and tell them he wanted to teach them something. He proceeds to take them to see a movie that starts with a video clip, of the news of the attack at Pearl Harbor. For the first several minutes, the boys sit in their chairs wearing ear buds, their eyes completely fixated on their handheld, electronic devices, clearly uninterested in the film that was being shown.

As I watched the pain and frustration on their grandfather’s face, my eyes filled with tears. The scene was so believable, that I immediately felt such an intense responsibility to teach my girls about our military, and help them understand that these men and women who sacrifice so much are not just random names from a newspaper, or a history book.

They are the very reason we have the freedoms we enjoy every day!

Eventually, one of the grandsons looks up and his attention is captured. He nudges his brother, who also begins to pay attention. One by one, the veterans in the audience turn and look straight into their loved ones eyes and say, “I fought for you…and I would do it again.”

They fought for me. They sacrificed for you. They died for us and our freedom. Do you realize how incredible that is? Do your children?

Toward the end of the video, uniformed soldiers walk into the theater and salute. All of the children turn in awe. At the same time, four brave men in their own uniforms walked onto the stage that was directly in front of us and did the same. Instantly the 17,000 people in attendance were on their feet, clapping and cheering. Chills spread through my entire body! It was an absolutely amazing moment and I felt so grateful that my four and six year old daughters were there to witness it too. After the applause died down, the first firework was shot into the sky set to the song, “I’m Proud to Be an American!” The energy of the crowd was almost palpable. We were all feeling it.

By the time the last few fireworks in the grand finale were fired off, we were all on our feet again, with our hands over our hearts, singing along to the national anthem. “Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

We are so fortunate. And we have so much to be thankful for. This Independence Day, please thank a soldier. And tell your children why you are doing so.

To see the video referenced above, please http://www.sermonspice.com/product/32960/i-fought-for-you


Post submitted by Heather B. from The Mommies Network

The magic of fireworks--The splendor that turns the neighborhood into a fabulous display of lights, colors and sounds--The excitement and thrill seen on the children’s faces, not to mention the grown children. But all the excitement can turn into a nightmare if used improperly. Don’t let the exciting celebration of our country’s freedom turn into a devastating trauma. It’s easy to have a memorable celebration and stay safe by following
a few simple suggestions.

The Mommies Network and the National Council on Fireworks Safety (NCFS) urge you to put safety first when celebrating this Fourth of July. Because of stringent federal safety standards enacted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, legal fireworks are safer then ever and, in fact, the incidence of firework related injuries have dramatically decreased in the last 10 years.

Legal fireworks conform to the standards given by The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Illegal ones often don’t. Only use legal fireworks. Be sure you can recognize legal fireworks from the illegal ones. The CPSC requires that legal fireworks show the name of the item, the name of the manufacturer or distributor and easy-to-read cautionary labeling and instructions for proper use.  It is suggested you contact the local police or fire department to make sure your fireworks are legal in your area. State laws can be found here. Click on your state for all the details!

Illegal devices include M80s, M100s and silver salutes and have been federally banned since 1966 because of the large amounts of illegal explosives they contain. These fireworks can usually be differentiated from legal fireworks in that they are usually unlabeled, will not bear a caution statement and will not list the manufacturer's name. They can be very dangerous and turn your backyard celebration into a backyard disaster. It is recommended to contact your local police if you know if any illegal firework distributors or anybody using illegal fireworks.

The following safety tips are given by the CPSC as general recommendations if you choose to use legal fireworks. You can get more information off their website at www.cpsc.gov.

• Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal "safe" firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.

• Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.

• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.

•  Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off.

• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.

•  Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.

•  Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.

•  Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.

• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.

• Observe local laws.

• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting

•  Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks.

PARENTS SHOULD SUPERVISE THE ORDERING AND USE OF MAILORDER "MAKE YOUR
OWN" FIREWORK KITS.

You can get more information firework safety by clicking on this link. http://www.fireworksafety.com. The Mommies Network implores you to have a happy, safe, magical Fourth of July. We look forward to hearing all about your celebrations as we celebrate our wonderful country’s independence.

{This article has been adapted from a post originally published on CharlotteMommies.com, a Mommies Network Community.}