The firecracker-hot weather we’ve had (only a slight exaggeration) has cooled enough that we can enjoy the outdoors for a few hours without feeling faint. With this in mind, there may be a parade and a glimpse of fireworks. At the very least there will be kiddos and watermelon and ice cream.

The 4th falls on a good day this year, on a blessed Friday, providing a much-needed three-day weekend to relax and recharge. For that reason, I’m thinking of it as a fulsome 4th. And it needs to be.

Sometimes it seems that patriotism is being purloined by one end of the political spectrum. On travels through the country, I’ve noticed more Ukrainian flags than Old Glories in some neighborhoods. When I think about our country, it’s a bit like the image above. There is a darkness abroad in the land; the flag is not flying as freely as it should. Which is why we all need to counteract it with our words and deeds. Today, our small flag will be flying proudly.

(Concept credit for this photograph goes to Drew Cassidy. I shot it, but he framed it. Thanks, brother!)