What could be better than the celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776? Is there anything that would be more appropriate than to celebrate our founding fathers incredible foresight and the dedication and courage it must have taken to stand up to the super power of England.
As we enjoy the parades and various festivities, parties with hot dogs and ice cream, practicing our vowels, Ohhhh, Ahhhh, while watching the evening’s fireworks, let’s not forget to reflect what it took to build this Country into what it is today. America has always been a land of pioneers and entrepreneurs. We have never been afraid to try or to fail. We continuously push the envelope and, to paraphrase John F. Kennedy, ask what we can do for our Country.
This Pioneer spirit is no more evident than here in Steamboat Springs. Imagine transplanting your family to an unknown location somewhere high in the Rocky Mountains. What must it have been like in 1875 for the Crawford family when they first decided to homestead in the Yampa Valley? Would the Indians be friendly? What dangers would the Bears, Mountain Lions, wolves pose? What happens if disease or injury sets in? What it must have felt like to know that the nearest outpost with provisions was a week away and totally inaccessible for the better part of the year. Could the Crawford’s ever had imagined that their single room cabin would have morphed into the beautiful resort community that we all enjoy today?
This is just one small example of the fortitude it took to grow the United States into the world leader it is today. During our 234 years of Independence we have faced a multitude of challenges and tragedies, economic downturns, wars, famines, whatever Mothers Nature and Earth can throw at us and, yes, even oil spills. Yet we show a remarkable resiliency and the ability to rebound from these challenges. As a Country and a people we are truly the best when the times are the worst.
So on with the celebration! Happy 4th of July everyone!
