As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July, Barbara and Lou share with you how this day has impacted their lives.

I was born in Belgium and my family immigrated to the United States in 1953.  I remember when I was 5 years old how excited my parents and all of us were about coming to this great country.  I was so grateful to be a naturalized citizen, always looking at the stars and stripes with extraordinary awe and gratefulness. 

I grew up knowing that the 4th of July was a VERY special day and we celebrated it in many ways.  My mom was born on the 4th of July and she served during World War II in the Navy.  The values of celebrating our freedom and never taking what we had for granted were reinforced in so many ways from my Mom.

Today, on our property stands a flag pole we put up for my Mom on her 80th birthday - she loved it.  She is gone now but each year we put her veteran's flag on that pole and celebrate her and our great nation.  Love you Mom!

Barbara