Simply Elevate July 2014 | Page 4

Celebrating Independence Day Practicing Patriotism This Independence Day By: SK Thompson Edited by: MD Marcus Fireworks, BBQ’s, time with family and friends, and much needed time off from work is right around the corner. That’s right; the Fourth of July is upon us. As busy mothers and fathers it is very tempting to let a day of rest and relaxation trump the obligation we owe our children to educate and practice ways to meaningfully observe America’s Independence. Here are five easy, yet fun and meaningful, ways to instill a conscientious respect for Independence Day through community outreach: • Bake cupcakes and take them to a local nursing home or hospital to share with those who are ill and confined. • Volunteer for a homeless shelter or soup kitchen and contribute to our fellow Americans that are less fortunate, without the luxury of a day off from work to relax. •Use some of your day to offer to assist an elderly or infirm neighbor with yard work or household chores. • Encourage your children to host an Independence Day lemonade stand and donate the proceeds to a charitable organization. The possibilities for Independence service are as endless as our imaginations. It’s easy in our modern American culture to dilute the significance of Independence Day, and disregard the deeper meaning of this day of remembrance. Let us show gratefulness for the sacrifices and fortitude of our predecessors with acts of compassion and lifting up one another in the spirit of true brotherhood and sisterhood. Happy Independence Day! Photo by: Chris Shoenfeld 4 www.simplyelevate.com