This is the Fourth of July weekend here in the US when we celebrate the birth of the country based on the publication of the Declaration of Independence. For those who don't know, this celebration mostly consists of fireworks and outdoor cookouts. However, at our house we've always tried to do a little bit more with a focus on history. In the past we've visited various museums (lots to choose from where I'm currently located in Massachusetts, birthplace of the revolution) and took part in community projects, stuff like that.

While I love my country, I know that you probably love yours. I've visited quite a few other countries at this point, and frankly, there's a lot to love about them. The one thing I really like to do before I visit a new country is read about its history. I just feel like a good understanding of where people came from helps to understand where they are. Plus, it makes it easier to pick & choose which cities to visit, and what museums or sites to see when I go. It's those stories from history that really tell you about how a place came to be. They're frequently fascinating and entertaining.

So, this weekend, whether you're in the US or not, I'd like to suggest you take a few moments and appreciate the history of your place, wherever it is. While we're at it, maybe see if there's a little volunteer work you can do to help preserve that history. Protect your story and share it with others.