Ryan Barnes for Split Reed
We live in a crazy time, with crazy events, surrounded by blinding newsreels that fight for our attention. It seems that no matter where we look, we are constantly being told how to think, how to believe, and what to say.
One thing we can all agree on, however, no matter what color, creed, or walk of life you come from, is that we live in a country that gives us the freedom, independence, and ability to do what we love. We can escape the everyday life for a little bit at a time, join with our friends, with our family, and make our way to the duck blind, the goose pit, or wherever it is you want to go. You can laugh, you can make memories that last lifetimes, you can build friendships, and you can see the amazing country that we call the United States of America.
As waterfowlers, we get to appreciate the great majesty of this country, from PNW to Panhandle and see just how amazing to live in a country where our forefathers fought for independence, and have passed that on to us. Where life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are truly inalienable rights to those who keep them dearly.
Here at Split Reed, during a time when it seems that everyone has been pit against each other, we extend an invitation to one and all to reminisce in the memories of crisp early mornings, the sound of whistling wings, the honks of geese in the distance, and the laughter of friends and family. Memories that are made because of the freedoms we enjoy in this great country. And may we remind you, those days are not so far distant.
While we celebrate this Independence Day, let us all appreciate how truly great this country is. Let us focus on the things that bring us closer together, instead of the things that divide us. As a community of waterfowlers and sportsmen, we are proud to stand by this country, our flag, and the great freedoms that we hold dear in the United States of America. Since 1776 it has been an American honor to celebrate and protect that independence we hold in such high regard. On this great holiday, however, we get to hold our heads a little higher, fly our American flags a little higher, and shout our pride a little louder for this great country!
From all of us at Split Reed, we say thank you to the men and women who have fought for our freedom, who have sacrificed time with family, time away from home, and those who made the greatest sacrifice of all so that we can fall asleep in peace, knowing that we have the freedom to do what we love when we wake up in the morning. We are ever grateful.
To our audience, we extend a great thank you. You are the lifeblood of what we do, and we thank you for your support. We wish you all a happy 4th of July. May you spend it with those you love close by.
To our readers who live outside of the United States, we wish you well and thank you for your continued support. It doesn’t go unnoticed. While you may not be celebrating the same independence day as us, we can all agree that we are united together as a family of passionate waterfowlers.
May we ever remember that freedom isn’t free, and be thankful for the price that’s been paid that we might enjoy it. Happy 4th of July from all of us at Split Reed.
