Columns: No Limits, No Kidding!

INDEPENDENCE DAY DOGS

What do dogs have to do with Independence Day, Memorial Day, the freedom to be Americans and our duty to defend the U.S. Constitution and Bill Of Rights?

Dr. Roberta Lee, Values Editor and SAAB Member

Updated June 30, 2025 | July 1, 2015

Have we forgotten that the "4th of July" or "July the Fourth" is actually Independence Day? The Dog Press honors our military past and present. Even today we are involved in Iran, Israel, Russia, and Ukraine and every day, somewhere, a soldier is wounded or killed while protecting our freedom.

We honor Memorial Day because we send our youngest and bravest out to do battle, to defend our freedom and protect our personal and civil rights. Memorial Day, the first Monday in May, is for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle.

Memorial Day was once called Decoration Day and began after the Civil War to honor both the Union and Confederate soldiers. Today devoted men and women, whether brave or not, give their limbs and lives for what they often are not sure is true or for precepts they don’t understand.

We honor our warriors, men and women who stood where you or I could or would not stand. Many of our soldiers give all they have to give even as some Americans dishonor what they stood for, Our Highest and Best Good.

Many of those soldiers have four legs! That is why I saved this photo, the dog tag says it all.

So let’s remember what July 4th stands for and how it is connected to our Independence Day. We call it “4th of July” as though we are afraid to think of those who died insuring we can live in the land of the free and the brave. Think about and pay honor to the brave soldiers who, while they don’t dwell on it, choose between love of country and the possibility of death. They go forward into battle while we sit secure in front of our big screen TV and watch the fireworks.

As your hand drops down to stroke that soft ear or you feel his cold nose in the palm of your hand, remember that somewhere, in rocky terrain or blazing heat, there is a soldier willing to die to protect your right to live securely here at home.

Look down at your dog and realize the depth and trust he has as he gazes into your eyes. Like the soldier who faces death to defend your freedom, would you not fight to defend your right to own and to breed companion animals?

While the horses and mules carry our loads, and cows and sheep feed and clothe us, it dogs that lead us when we are blind, comfort us when we are lonely, and who always, without fail, devote their short lives to the Highest and Best Good for mankind.

That is why God made dogs.

Somewhere in this troubled world, our soldiers, including war dogs, fight for freedom.  Watch the fireworks tonight and thank God for our freedom, cherish your independence, and the one true, steadfast friend at your side.

Take 20 (seconds) to get "instant information" on ii The Alamo, the first battle for the right to be Americans.

Related 4th of July Articles: Dog's Fear The 4th ~ VIDEO: "Star Spangled Banner" ~ Dog's 1st Fireworks

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