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Never take freedom for granted

All indications are that Minot residents and people living in the surrounding area are in for a glorious Fourth of July week.

Let’s hope it is a safe one for all revelers, especially those handling fireworks and their potential innocent victims nearby. Think about where your missiles are headed before you set them off, especially when kids are around.

One safe way to enjoy fireworks – spectacular ones – is to attend the display that will be put on by the Minot Fireworks Association after the races on the Fourth of July. Last year’s display, also at the State Fairgrounds, was outstanding.

But there is certainly more than just fireworks planned for the Fourth and there are a lot of people to thanks for that.

The Fourth of July Festival in Roosevelt Park begins at 9:30 a.m. with a patriotic ceremony at the Medal of Honor Memorial, followed by a performance by the Minot City Band.

Then, from 11 a.m. and after the festival will feature food and craft vendors, bounce castles, yard games and more. There will be a Princess and SuperHero Meet and Greet with face painting, and starting at noon Badlands Express will provide musical entertainment.

Admission is $5 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. The purchase of a wristband will provide a discounted admission to both the Roosevelt Park Zoo and the pool with children 12 and under free to the zoo.

Another reminder is that at 4 p.m. at Minot International Airport, the Dakota Territory Air Museum will be co-hosting the Spirit of the Plains Airshow. The show will feature Canadian Forces Snowbirds, World War II aircraft demonstrations, first-class aerobatics, UAS drone demonstrations and more.

The event is free to the public with the gates opening early at 2 p.m.

What a lineup! Not many towns in North Dakota or even the surrounding states have that much going on for the Fourth of July.

However, thankfully, we all have something in common to celebrate, and that is our independence.

Yes, let’s celebrate safely but let’s not forget what we are celebrating – our freedom. It cannot be taken for granted as some of us are prone to do. No longer. Not when millions of people around the world look at us with deep envy. Not when thousands upon thousands of desperate people living in squalor that we cannot comprehend risk their lives and the lives of their families to get here legally or not.

No more.

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