Fourth of July Memories
July 1, 2016
Most Americans have good memories of things they have done on July 4th. I hosted an old fashioned July 4th celebration at my ranch for a number of years; activities included barbeque, horseback riding, hay rides, fishing and even a greased hog catching contest.
Over the years we fed thousands of people from all walks of life. I will never forget that one year an elderly lady, who is a billionaire, was rocking on the ranch saloon’s front porch while she visited with people who barely had enough gas money to get to the ranch; there was no doubt they all enjoyed watching the young children running around in front of them. We always invited people from all walks of life and from many different ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds.
I will never forget that someone once told me, “Jerry, I looked around and saw such a diverse group of people that I thought to myself that the one thing that we all have in common is that we all know Jerry King.” Regardless of where the guests came from, they all shared a mutual respect of each other’s right to be present and have fun in a safe and loving environment.
So as I look back as to why we celebrate July 4th, it is much more than just a federal holiday or the fact that our country’s founders declared independence on July 4, 1776. We celebrate because people in our country were willing to die for their freedom and the common good of the citizens of our country. Freedom of religion and the right to make choices and to unite as a country are some of the reasons we celebrate today. Just like the July 4th celebration at my ranch, diverse groups unite together in our country to celebrate our common beliefs. May we be good stewards of our heritage and honor those who once fought and continue to fight for the freedoms that we enjoy today.
MY SON’S JULY 4TH MEMORY FACILITATED BY DAD
One of the many learning experiences I have made available to my son occurred many years ago. To avoid having to constantly explain to guests where he was during our 2002 ranch July 4th celebration, I had this poster made. Perhaps his experience over that July 4th holiday influenced him to become the wonderful man that he is today!
Written by KING AEROSPACE Founder, Jerry Allan King-Echevarria.