As the sun rises on this July 4th, we prepare to celebrate a day that holds profound significance for our nation, our fellow veterans, and us. Like all great holidays, the Fourth of July evokes traditional celebrations: vibrant fireworks illuminate the skies, marching music fills the air, and parades with flags, floats, and blaring bands enliven the streets of our cities and towns. Families and friends gather for picnics and barbecues, while patriotic songs warm the heart. These cheerful, vivid, and heartwarming images have been intertwined with our Fourth of July memories since childhood.
In the words of President Ronald Reagan, “It's recorded that shortly after the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, celebrations took place throughout the land, and many of the former Colonists -- they were just starting to call themselves Americans -- set off cannons and marched in fife and drum parades.” It was on this day that fifty-six brave men gathered in Independence Hall, pledging their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to declare a new nation founded on the principles of liberty and equality, a beacon of hope that continues to inspire us all.
At Slaphappy Hemp Company, we honor the courage of the Founding Fathers and the countless individuals who have fought for freedom throughout our history. Just as President Reagan reminded us, “Their courage created a nation built on a universal claim to human dignity, on the proposition that every man, woman, and child had a right to a future of freedom.” This belief in human dignity and the right to freedom is a cornerstone of our values and our mission. Our founders, Kara and John Grady, embody that spirit and dedication the Founding Fathers exhibited. As veterans, they have served our country, becoming part of the brotherhood and sisterhood that binds all who have fought for our freedoms. Their service is a testament to the enduring spirit of courage that has carried our nation through its greatest challenges, weaving their contributions into the rich tapestry that defines America.
Hunter S. Thompson said, “I think I'm one of the most patriotic people that I've ever encountered in America. I consider myself a bedrock patriot. I participate very actively in local politics, because my voice might be worthwhile. I participate in a meaningful way - not by donations; I work at it.” We work with local and state politicians and government officials to ensure a bright future for hemp. If you never get involved, you are just a spectator; you have to get your hands dirty. Like Reagan said, “This is the issue of this election: Whether we believe in our capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the American revolution and confess that a little intellectual elite in a far-distant capitol can plan our lives for us better than we can plan them ourselves.”
Independence Day is also a time for reflection. We reflect on the sacrifices made by those who came before us and the unity that has carried our nation through its greatest challenges. President Reagan spoke of the importance of unity and brotherhood, citing the reconciliation of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson as a powerful lesson in overcoming division: “It was their last gift to us, this lesson in brotherhood, in tolerance for each other, this insight into America's strength as a nation.”
Hemp has a rich history intertwined with America's journey to independence and prosperity. Early Americans were legally bound to grow hemp, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew hemp, and farmers could even pay their taxes with it. Hemp was an integral part of the American economy, supporting both everyday life and wartime efforts. Betsy Ross’s flag and the first drafts of the Declaration of Independence were made from hemp.
Today, as we prepare for fireworks, parades, and family gatherings, let us also recommit ourselves to the principles of freedom and equality that have made our nation great. Let us remember that we are all part of the American family, united by our shared history and our hopes for the future. Reagan’s words resonate deeply with us: “Believe me, if there's one impression I carry with me after the privilege of holding for 5 1/2 years the office held by Adams and Jefferson and Lincoln, it is this: that the things that unite us — America's past of which we're so proud, our hopes and aspirations for the future of the world and this much-loved country — these things far outweigh what little divides us.”
At Slaphappy Hemp Company, we embody these values every day. As you celebrate this Independence Day, consider adding some of our products to your festivities. Whether it's our Mellocello, a refreshing hemp-infused beverage to toast freedom, or our Felix Folia, an organic hemp-infused Italian olive oil perfect for drizzling over your barbecue creations, we have something to enhance your celebration. If you're feeling stressed or anxious amidst the excitement, our Pax anti-anxiety tincture can bring you calm, while our Dolor pain relief tincture helps ease any aches from the day's activities. For a natural remedy that aligns with our nation's pioneering spirit, our Shield Maiden and Pax Centurion salves provide soothing relief, crafted with care and dedication. Don't forget to stop by the Washington Missouri Farmers Market on July 6th! You just might get some freedom loving discounts.
This July 4th, let's honor our history, celebrate our unity, and look forward to a future filled with promise and freedom, enhanced by the natural goodness of Slaphappy Hemp Company's product line and a 15% discount today only.
Happy Independence Day!
“Freedom is something that dies unless it's used.”
― Hunter S. Thompson
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