Jimmy and Sal were best buddies. As 10-year-old New Yorkers, they were the inseparable, energetic rulers of their Bensonhurst neighborhood, answering to no one else, except their parents, of course.

Jimmy: Hey, Sal, our family is going to the city on the Fourth of July to watch the fireworks. Should be great. You gonna come?

Sal: No can do.

Jimmy: Why not? It’s terrific and it’s free!

Sal: I know. I know. But my family has other plans.

Jimmy: Other plans? What could be better than watching Macy’s 80,000 explosions shooting 1,000 feet up over the Brooklyn Bridge?

Sal: Don’t remind me. But there’s no way I can get out of this.

Jimmy: Out of what? Are you nuts or something?

Sal: We have to go to our Uncle George’s place in Connecticut.

Jimmy: Connecticut! What’s in Connecticut?

Sal: Nothing as exciting as New York!

Jimmy: Then skip it. You’re 10. That’s practically a grown-up.

Sal: You don’t understand. My Uncle George is expecting us. It’s a family thing.

Jimmy: Tell him to come here and join us. Then it will be a real family thing, no?

Sal: No. You don’t understand. He’s… well… he’s limited when it comes to travelling. It’s easier for us to go there than for him to come here… or for him to go anywhere.

Jimmy: Limited? Sounds like a downer to me.

Sal: Not really. You don’t know my Uncle George.

Jimmy: Is he some kinda rich dude?

Sal: No. He’s just limited, that’s all.

Jimmy: I don’t get it. How limited can a man be on the Fourth of July? He’s not working, is he? I mean, it is a national holiday, right?

Sal: No, he’s not working. He can’t work anymore. Like I said, he’s limited.

Jimmy: How so?

Sal: For one thing, he has to use a wheelchair because he can’t walk anymore.

Jimmy: So, can’t your family visit him some other day?

Sal: Not really. For Uncle George, the Fourth of July is not just a barbecue, fireworks, and fun. He’s a vet. He’s one of the folks who fought for the freedom that the Fourth of July is all about.

Jimmy: Oh. Sorry about that.

Sal: That’s the thing, see. He’s not sorry. Not a bit. In fact, he’s proud that he served our country and gave everything he could so we can be free. Even his ability to walk. It’s like he traded his freedom to make sure we could walk and run and have fun all the time. The fireworks and food are great, but that’s not what July 4^th is all about. You should hear my uncle’s stories about when he was caught in combat and how he saved his buddies who were fighting alongside him.

Jimmy: Wow. I never thought of that. Hey, do you think I could come along with your family and meet your uncle George? I’d like to hear what he has to say.

Holy Homework

Let’s celebrate this 249^th anniversary of American independence with more than just hot dogs and hamburgers. Let’s add a stirring song to the flag-waving and sparklers by singing a chorus of God Bless America for all those who have served and who continue to serve in keeping America free.

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