"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore." -John Adams

Obviously, he was a little off.

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I love birthdays. I think, in fact, that I enjoy other people's birthdays more than my own. Why? CAKE!!!! Well, that and the pure delight that a birthday celebration signifies: delight in a person, in a heart, in a soul, in life in general. But what truly makes birthdays so unique in my opinion? Perhaps it is the fact that these days hold at their very core...nothing. Think about it. A person's birthday has absolutely nothing to do with anything! Not social status or acts of greatness. Not degrees of higher education or dazzling talents. Birthdays don't even have anything to do with one's Star Wars collection, believe it or not. These days occur without the consent and beyond the control of the person actually having the birthday. A birthday is what it is. The only qualification is that one must simply be. (Many thanks to the mothers out there who suffered countless hours in order for each of us to come into being...and the dads that helped, too,)

Of course, birthdays don't just apply to people. A great number of us gathered together on May 25th (whether in body or in spirit) to celebrate the birthday of our beloved Saga. A few lucky thousand were able to sing "Happy Birthday to Star Wars" and eat cake together in the very same room. For those moments, none of us cared about Jar Jar, continuity, or Special Editions. All of us, from all over the world and in our varying walks of life, were able to set aside any differences for the sake of a birthday celebration. We didn't forget; we just set them aside for the sake of unity, letting all fall secondary to our common delight. We celebrated the Saga simply because it is. That was a moment I will surely cherish for the rest of my life. (Did I mention there was cake?)

In two days, those of us who call the United States home will be celebrating our nation's birthday. I hope others will join me in considering this a day to set aside feelings about politicians and debates, war and global duty, and economic direction and social responsibility. We should never forget about some of these things, not even for a second, but can we delay our arguments for the sake of celebration? Simply because our country is? Too many across the globe have no freedom or independence to celebrate, so I feel it is my duty as a citizen of the United States to acknowledge and give thanks for what I have. This country is far from perfect, but it is what it is. From every mountainside, from sea to shining sea: my home, sweet home.

In closing, I'd like to give a warm HAPPY BIRTHDAY wish not only to my country, but to two of my dear friends who will be celebrating this week. Please know that I will be thinking of your on your special days and while I treasure your personalities and great accomplishments, I am more than honored simply to share in the delight of your existence.

Now somebody get me some cake!

Forcefully,
JP