Summer is defined by hot days, ice cream cones and kids laughing as they run around the yard attempting to catch an elusive fire fly. The days are longer yet somehow go by too fast. There is no stopping the clock as it mounts an offensive to slowly but surely tick away, leaving memories and pictures of what has been both in our minds and on our phones.
Summer is also defined by something glorious and wholly unique to the season, the 3 day weekend.
There are other times during the year when you can take advantage of a longer weekend, but nothing quite defines summer like taking off work early on a Thursday to get started on a lake or beach day. The season kicks off with Memorial Day, quickly followed by Juneteenth and the Fourth of July. With Labor Day rounding out the calendar, summer provides us with multiple opportunities to gather with friends and family.
Personally, the fourth of July is my favorite holiday of the year. As an amateur historian, I appreciate the sacrifices made by our forefathers to provide us with the freedoms we enjoy today. It’s a special day that almost always delivers on the promise of patriotic pride coupled with smoked meats, sweet treats and more than one adult beverage consumed.
My love affair with the fourth started young. Viewing the fireworks from the bleachers of a high school stadium is a lasting memory that continues to burn bright in my mind. As the fireworks exploded above me and patriotic music blared from loud speakers, the event provided a priceless feeling that has yet to fade.
I had a similar feeling this year as I sat on a friend’s boat and viewed the sunset glistening off the lake. Although patriotic music was missing from the equation, the fireworks filled the night sky and provided a sense of the wonder I felt during my youth. As I looked over at my daughter, the feeling intensified as her eyes widened and her smile grew.
John Adams famously wrote in July 1776 about our day of independence, “it ought to be remembered with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illumiations, from one end of this continent to the other, from time forward forever more.” Cruising the lake and witnessing the various American flags, bunting, fireworks and camaraderie among friends and family, I couldn’t help but think this was what he had in mind.
Although the times and games are different, the general idea has remained. Whether you’re enjoying a neighborhood pool, the beach, a lake house or simply sitting at home with family, the three day weekend provided a unique opportunity to spend more time with those we love. Throw in the added benefit of a hot summer month and you have a recipe for lasting memories that give a glimpse into your youth.
Time has a way of moving entirely too fast. This summer, take a step back and enjoy the extra time provided by a long weekend.
Before you think about extending the fun an extra day, take a piece of advice from another of our forefathers, Ben Franklin,“Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.”
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