Remembering Independence Day, July 4, 1776

On Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, Americans celebrate our country’s freedom with fireworks, family, and friends. Amidst the fun and hoopla, let’s pause to remember the supreme price of freedom.

updated June 20, 2025

On Independence Day, celebrated July 4th, Americans celebrate our country’s freedom with fireworks, family, and friends. Amidst the fun and hoopla, let’s pause to remember the supreme price of freedom.

The United States flag displayed at Grand Central Station, New York City, NY
The United States flag displayed at Grand Central Station, New York City, NY

Let’s hoist up our American flags, prominently wear our red, white, and blue, and proudly show our dedication to those to whom we owe this weekend: our nation’s veterans and U.S. military.

Our country is great because of them. In their honor, I want to invite everyone to take a moment with me today and pause in honor of those who have served and those who now serve for our freedom.
Liberty Bell -replica
replica of the Liberty Bell at Disney World, Florida , photo by Dr. Aletha

In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.

(message courtesy of ALA leadership)

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism across the United States. Since the Society’s founding, more than one million women have found purpose and passion in DAR membership. DAR’s volunteer work is accomplished by the grassroots efforts of chapters on the local level which focus on the mission areas of DAR by encouraging members to become involved in these initiatives in their local communities.

May God bless America and our friends around the world.
The Statue of Liberty
“Liberty Enlightening the World” on Liberty Island, New York City, gift to the United States from France

I am proud to be a member of the

American Legion Auxiliary and the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

Exploring the HEART of Health

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Dr. Aletha
a woman in a red, white, and blue shirt
showing my patriotic spirit by posing in red, white, and blue a few years ago

How to stay safe and well this summer

This post provides resources for staying safe and healthy during summer travels, particularly for international trips. Key advice includes careful food choices, safe drinking practices, sunscreen use, hydration tips, and quitting tobacco. All this helps ensure a healthy vacation experience while traveling.

 

In this post I share resources on staying safe and healthy this summer.

Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, for advice and health alerts on travel, particularly if traveling internationally.

This information is current as of the date of original publication or update but may have changed by the time you read this. Do not use this information for diagnosis or treatment purposes. Before making health decisions, discuss with a qualified healthcare professional.

Summer often means travel, and no one wants their vacation spoiled by getting sick. So here is some helpful advice from the New York Times health blog on how to avoid illness, especially if traveling abroad.

International Travel: Tips for Staying Healthy

  • Consider what you’ll eat while traveling. If you’re going to a country with an increased risk of traveler’s diarrhea, plan to eat carefully.
  • Hot, well-cooked food is usually safest.
  • Avoid eating foods from street vendors, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw or uncooked seafood.
  • Peel fruits yourself.
  • Drink water from commercially sealed bottles.
  • Or drink hot or carbonated beverages.
  • Avoid ice.
  • Use bottled water when you brush your teeth.
couple with llamas
up close with llamas at Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

(This post includes affiliate links, where a purchase might pay a commission to this blog, but cost you nothing extra. Thank you. )

Using Sunscreen to Protect Your Skin

How you use sunscreens, and what other protective measures you take, make a difference in how well you protect yourself and your family from sunburn, skin cancer, early skin aging and other risks of overexposure to the sun.

Check out a wide variety of sunscreens at this affiliate link.

Dehydration: Risks and Myths 

In this New York Times article, health writer Jane Brody explains how much water we need to drink to stay hydrated; it may not be what you think. Click the link to read.

Your tap water is probably safe to drink, or you can use a filtered pitcher or device on your faucet. But if you prefer bottled water there are numerous choices ranging from cheap to expensive.

male and female athletes drinking bottled water
credit LIGHTSTOCK.COM

Why not commit to giving up tobacco use this summer? Here are

Exploring the HEART of a Healthy Summer

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha