It’s a holiday weekend, so what better time than now to have a giveaway?
I have $250 in Amazon egift cards to give away today in celebration of Independence Day!
I’m giving away five $50 egift cards from Amazon.
Here are the details of the giveaway:
- I’ll be giving away $250 in Amazon egift cards as noted above — one card per winner, total of 5 winners.
- To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment below sharing your thoughts on what Independence Day means to you.
- Be sure to include your email address when you leave the comment so I will know where to send your prize if you win (the email address will not be visible to anyone other than me).
- The winners will be selected by me at random.
- The selection of winners will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. I’ll list them as a comment on this post.
- I will email you an Amazon ecard if you win — to the email address you leave in your entry.
- As with most giveaways, there are rules. Here they are (the one difference here is that you don’t need to be a US resident since I can email these cards anywhere). 🙂
Good luck!!!!
To me, Independence Day signals the beginning of the US Constitution, and modern political and financial freedom.
As a Military Disabled Veteran, and a immigrant from a foreign country, celebrating the July 4th holiday with family and friends, allows me the freedom of life and knowledge of the life that shaped me into the man I am today. God Bless all those who have served, and serve today that provide the security and freedoms to live our lives in peace.
Independence day to me is a day to enjoy with my family and discuss with my 16 and 19 year old kids what the signing of the declaration of independence means to us and our country
Independence Day is inseparable from the word freedom. On July 4th we celebrate not only the birth of our nation but the joyous freedoms that we often forget are so very precious.
The US July 4th Independence Day celebration is a political version of the financial independence journey we read about here. Some people did what others wouldn’t so they could live like others couldn’t. <— that sentence looks a little awkward in the past tense but I think you get my point!
As an immigrant, always grateful for Independence Day. And I love watching fireworks – they never get old for me.
Happy 4th of July!
Independence day growing up was the true start to summer. It was making home made ice cream and lighting sparklers at night. I always think of the movie The Sandlot too as the kids in that movie try chewing tobacco, go on carnival rides and puke on the 4th.
Young adult years I started to appreciate what independence is and what it costs. I’ll always associate these years with fireworks at the local baseball team 3 nights in a row.
In my more mature adult years it is with my kids and teaching them about why we celebrate. It is also a more daily examination of what our country is and why it has lasted in its form of government for nearly 250 years.
The 4th means freedom of beliefs and opportunity to pursue dreams.
Independence Day signifies freedom of thoughts and allows for the country much diversity in the greatest country in the world.
It reminds us to respect and honor all those who have helped move our nation forward from are founders to our veterans.
To me, Independence Day is a time for us as Americans to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a country that is free, whose forefathers had such amazing foresight into creating the foundation for our country’s success.
To me Independence Day means freedom, prosperity, gratitude, celebration, family, fireworks, hamburgers and hot dogs…without the bun of course. 🙂
Independence Day reminds me of the American framework and, despite the imperfections, how relatively good it has been for our society.
As an Aussie living in Australia, my first thought about Independence Day is the 1996 movie featuring Will Smith 😉
Independence day is a time for celebrating with family and the appreciation of our freedoms. It’s a day of gratitude, celebration and appreciation. It’s always positive and full of love.
Raised in Canada Independence day means a day that all Americans be they immigrants or born in the USA can celebrate their freedom to live in this country.
Independence Day means a lot to me – not only marking the start of the great American experiment and all that it entails, but it’s also the anniversary of the day I met my other half – 28 years ago this year.
Thanks for your site and running these giveaways! Independence Day is about reflecting on and celebrating the freedoms many of us take for granted.
The 4th is a day to celebrate our freedom as a nation and to honor our founders and those who fought to establish our great country.
Independence Day is all about freedom. The United States is not perfect and never will be but it is the best country to live in. Thanks for the giveaway.
Independence Day is celebrating our freedom in the United States and honoring the founders and those that help continue keeping our country free.
Independence Day is when we celebrate our freedom living in the greatest country in the world. We also remember and honor those who sacrificed so much for our freedom.
Its a day to reflect and practice gratitude for our fore-fathers.
Independence Day, to me, is about celebrating the freedoms we have and a reminder that good things are worth fighting for.
Celebrating the freedom of living in a free country but as an immigrant I sometimes feel guilty for having such a blessing. My heart truly breaks for those who were born in countries that are so broken that they would give their lives just to set their feet on this soil. The majority just want the opportunity to work and gain their financial freedom. May we never forget just how blessed we are to live, work, and play in the great USA.
For me, Independence Day is about gathering with family and friends. It also means respecting the sacrifices that others have made to ensure the freedom we enjoy today. This year is also very different for me as I reflect on the recent passing of my father, a Korean War Vet. Rest in peace Dad.
I agree with all the fine comments regarding the historical significance of Independence Day.
For me in my spiritual walk with Christ, independence is freedom from anxiety, fear, worry, and the resulting chaos. It’s a choice we make and the Lord gives us the freedom from fear. Over 365 times in the Bible He says fear not.
Allows me to reflect on the liberties we enjoy in this country and my career in the military.
Independence day is about remembering the incredible sacrifices our past generations made for us and the world
Independence Day is about appreciating and celebrating the birth of the US. It was a monumental achievement at the time. I love that our suburb has activities all day and into the evening, including a patriotic concert.
Respect for the American flag! 🇺🇸
For me, Independence Day is about Freedom and taking time to enjoy with family and friends appreciating the opportunities we have that not all have in this world.
Thank you!
Independence Day is the day the 13 original colonies, declared their independence from Great Britain and the end of King George III’s hold on America and the triumph of liberty. It is the original founding and public declaration of our new nation. As a Veteran it has special meaning to me because of the freedoms we enjoy and the men and women that have fought and died over the 246 years to keep it that way.
Family!
To me, I-day reminds me of Freedom to enjoy simple pleasures of life…. everyday.
Independence Day for me marks when the USA’s individual colonies joined together to work collectively for their common goals.
The 4th of July means the celebration of independence from foreign rule and the birth of our united nation.
Good timing. We just recently went to a family reunion that was fairly close to Philadelphia. So we spent a day touring the historical sites there, including Independence Hall. I know many don’t share my view. But it felt pretty amazing to me to stand in the exact room where the Declaration was signed. You can also visit a cemetery where several of the founders are buried, including Benjamin Franklin. Very interesting from a history perspective.
Independence day is about remembering sacrifices of our forefathers and reflecting on our many liberties.
Enjoy your July 4 celebration of independence. In Canada we celebrate on July 1. I love what it means to you all and you truly k ow how to celebrate the day. It’s much tamer here.
Independence Day to means, that I am blessed to live in the greatest country in the world! It also means family time and seeing my grandchildren having fun celebrating the birthday of our country.
“Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” all celebrated in the carefree summer month of July along with family and friends!
Independence Day celebrates the freedom to live in this great country of ours.
Independence Day means freedom and celebration.
Independence Day is to remember that freedom takes perseverance and sacrifice.
For me, Independence is having the freedom to live in a way that allows me to create memories with my family, freedom to make choices that contribute to my financial goals, freedom to be at peace with how I represent myself to the world. This is what I strive for daily.
Reminds me of America, our history, and the people who make us the country we are. But it is was also my grandmothers and great aunts birthday. So it was an extra celebration most of my life. As a kid I made so many different 4th of July themed birthday cakes. So special.
Since I live in the PNW, Independence Day means the start of summer!
Independence Day means freedom to worship as I please. It snuck up on me this year with two major events back to back so thank you for this reminder of why it’s so important.
Independence Day reminds me of our countries history of fighting for freedom and the fact that we live in the greatest nation on earth. I will always honor our country and our flag. We have fought too hard to give up the freedoms that we have in the USA.
Independence Day reminds me that there are things worth fighting for, and even dying for. Now that I’m in the military people come to me and thank me for my service, especially around holidays like the Fourth of July. It’s a humbling experience knowing they have the expectation that, if and when necessary, their rights will be protected regardless of the sacrifice required.
To me, Independence Day is a day to appreciate and celebrate our freedom as a country. My personal Independence Day Is October 1. I will be Independent from work and freedom to spend my time as I desire!
Independence Day is the annual reminder that we are blessed to live in the greatest country in the world. I say that because we are free to pursue our dreams for ourselves and our loved ones with greater freedoms than any place in the world. It also causes me to reflect on the sacrifices of the men and women who have come before us and provided and preserved these opportunities.
Independence day to me is to honor those who sacrifice for all. We are experiencing a lot of challenge now. Let us stop to think about what a great nation we have. This should pass. Let us help each other. God bless America.
For me, Independence Day is a day to cherish the fact that there is no other country I want to live in than the USA because of the brave actions of this country’s forefathers.
I am always grateful that Independence Day reminds me that we are the first nation in human history to be founded on values, including all persons are created equal, and our nation and its citizenry should always strive to reflect these values.
An annual opportunity to remind ourselves how good things are here
Independence Day is my very favorite holiday of the year because it is all about celebrating the freedoms our forefathers fought for. Seeing all the flags and red/white/blue makes my heart swell with pride as this is the greatest country in the world in which to live.
The 4th of July is a time for celebration and gratitude at all our country has accomplished. I prefer to celebrate by roaming the hills of our nation’s best asset, public lands.
For me, it’s a celebration of our democracy, our freedom as a country , and an acknowledgment of the establishment of our nationhood. It’s a day we can all set aside to reflect on all the servicemen and women, home and abroad , that continue to fight for liberty and our freedom every day. In a more relaxed way, it’s gathering w family as we watch fireworks bursting in air majestically over the Hudson River. May God bless our great nation. Happy July 4th everyone!
Independence Day is our country’s celebrated independence from England as a colony.
We are unique to all other countries because we have our Bill of Rights and Amendments and celebrate our freedoms especially on 4th of July!
Loyal reader of ESI for about 6 years now!
Independence Day means many things to me. A celebration of this wonderful country. Gathering with family and friends. My grandfather was born on July 4th, served in the Pacific during WW II and later served with distinction in the U.S. Army and government. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. My personal hero but representative of many great Americans over our history.
Freedom. Thankful. Humbled. Hopeful. I appreciate America more each year I celebrate Independence Day.
July 4th is a time to reflect and remember the work and sacrifice of those who were there at the inception of the creation of the United States. Also, it’s a time to celebrate those who strive to keep our nation free. I’m greatful to be born here, greatful for those who have sacrificed for liberty, and greatful for the opportunity to barbecue w my family, grill hot dogs, slug back a few cold ones, all in celebration and gratitude for what true freedom affords us. Happy 4th everyone!
As a Veteran, it’s a time to reflect on my 23 years in the Air Force, and to remember my friends who gave their all for this country and are no longer here to celebrate with the rest of us.
Independence Day reminds me how lucky I am to live where I live and appreciate the choices and sacrifices made by my ancestors. Moving to a foreign country, leaving the familiar, in an age of few modern conveniences. And yet they survived and thrived. Humans are amazingly resilient. Happy 4th to all!
The 4th is a day to celebrate the freedoms most Americans now have, to acknowledge that many Americans have not always enjoyed these freedoms, and to dedicate ourselves to ensuring we all will be free in the future.
Among other things, Independence Day is my kid’s birthday! That’s the meaning I’ll be focusing on this year.
I live in a country where I am free to state my opinions about what decisions the government makes. In many places, that would get me killed!
Independence Day for me is a time to reflect and show gratitude for our fore fathers and all others that have shaped our beautiful country and maintain it today. As a world traveler I acknowledge and am so grateful for our democracy and freedoms. We are blessed.
Wow, what a serendipity that your Independence Day giveaway come along today! Just a few hours ago, I was reflecting on my life over the past 5 decades. And I feel very pleased with where I am at in my life today. All these years, I’ve been working on myself, whether it’s school, professionally, or personally. It dawn on me that the last decade was a decade of tremendous growth and development! And this decade is going to be a decade of “Personal Freedom and independent” as I start to focus on retirement planning! Looking forward to enjoying fun, adventures and the fruits of labor!! Wishing you all a very meaningful Independent weekend!
The right to our own opinion. Let’s get back to the days where it was said that while one may disagree with what another says, they will defend their right to say it.
I am thankful and appreciative of all that the holiday stands for, but travel during the holidays is what I think of the most!
Independence Day is an emotional day for me. My dad, who passed away ten years ago, would have turned 75 this July 4th. He was a true Americana fellow – if you asked him for his favorite color, he would answer red, white, and blue. He was awarded both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star from his time in the Vietnam War, and I never once heard him talk about either of them. So, I’ll celebrate my dad’s birthday on Independence Day, and I’ll celebrate the independence we enjoy as Americans – even during these horribly divisive times in our country.
Independence Day means freedom, which we must never forget, isn’t Free.
Independence Day means freedom to me. It represents our liberations from Britain and it is the birthday of the United States of America. It provides me and my family unalienable rights such as a great life, liberty , and the pursuit of happiness. We get together and barbecue and sing and rejoice all in the name of freedom, peace , and liberty our forefathers fight afforded us. I’m forever grateful and filled w gratitude. Have a great 4th to all. I’m proud to be an American!
Independence Day to me means to value the beautiful country we live in and never take for granted the sacrifice it has taken to get to where we are today.
Appreciate the sacrifices of our military
Appreciate everything this country allows us to do and the quality of life it brings. The opportunities it allows.
Independence Day signifies how great and important our country is to the world. I’ve had the opportunity to live and work overseas and despite the fact that our country is not and has not been perfect, it is a beacon of hope for the world. Everywhere I’ve been people all say they want to come to the USA!
Independence Day reminds me of my connection to the honor flight and what it meant to my father
The best day of his life and full respect for our country
Freedom. Summer. Family. Gratitude.
As a veteran and grandzon of two veterans it means celebrating freedom. I am awe struck in what pre-Americans did to declare independence and fight to be free. I then think about all the sacrifices that have been done to keep America free.
For me, Independence Day is an opportunity to honor the commitment and sacrifices of all those who fought for liberty in securing our freedom , and in doing so had a hand in shaping the democracy and framework of our great nation. Today it’s an opportunity to honor the military, our men and women who continue to fight, guard , and protect our freedom. I’ll maybe barbecue, garden, and watch the fireworks, as usual. Happy Independence Day everyone!
Independence Day signifies freedom. Despite our issues, I feel blessed to live in this country.
Independence Day is a time to pause and remember with gratitude those who crafted and those who signed the Declaration of Independence. I am so grateful to live in the USA.
Independence Day means hope and freedom to me. It reminds me of how much freedom we have living in the USA. This is especially true when we hear about the struggles of people in other countries and their dreams of going to America to live free. It is a place of hope and happiness if you consciously push yourself to fulfill your dreams.
Independence Day for me is being grateful for everything this country has to offer to an immigrant like me.
It’s a great time to spend weekend with friends and family.
Independence day is a day for reflection of how much sacrifice was made for us to live in a country where anything is possible. It’s also a day to celebrate our democracy and not take for granted what we have.
Independence Day significance to me is remembering some of the bravest men this country has even had and the tremendous risk they subjected themselves to in order to have a chance at establishing a new country independent of the tyranny that Britain inflicted. These founders put their very lives on the line against to most powerful nation on the planet at that time in history. We are the beneficiaries
To me Independence Day means the blessings of life, liberty, freedom and equality under the law. And the day serves as a reminder that these principles have been and must continue to be defended if they are to endure.
Independence Day means to me is recognizing and honoring the enormous efforts of our forefathers in the fight they engaged in for liberty and freedom. Those efforts helped to carve out the beginnings and founding of our great nation, the United States. It is with pride and gratitude that I can represent myself as a proud American, proud of their efforts, and for the benefit of every American. Honored and proud. May god bless our country. Happy 4th all!
Independence Day to me means, as an immigrant, the ability for me to be able to arrive, stay, and receive the same opportunities and freedoms everyone in this country has. I am forever grateful.
Thank you for this intriguing story.. On another note have you ever considered considered if buying forever stamps was a worthy endeavor?
My sermon yesterday celebrated the fact that we can have independence from guilt and shame by example and shame by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. God bless you and God bless America
Independence Day is about the freedom that we so often take for granted. On the 4th of July we feel gratitude for that freedom.
It is freedom and remembering that we are in this position because our ancestors sacrificed so much
Let’s use well this privilege for our country!
Independence day is when I reflect upon and am grateful for; family, freedom and, the good fortune of being an American.
Fourth of July is for barbecues and fireworks and gratitude for those that make it possible. We’re lucky to live in this country!
Family and fun outside.
Remember traveling to Staunton, Va. back in the 70’s and 80’s where The Statler Brothers would perform a live, free concert every year in their home town on the 4th called “Happy Birthday USA”.
Independence means having the freedom to speak, worship, and conduct life without interference. This was bought at a heavy cost and I’m so thankful for it!
Independence Day July 4th is America’s way , and my way, of celebrating our breaking away from Britain and gaining our independence and freedom, and establishing these United States of America. I am deeply indebted to those who fought for our freedom. It is every year July 4th that I show my appreciation and deepest gratitude for the huge sacrifices made by our forefathers of this great nation. My old glory is proudly displayed, swung from a pole attached to the base of a column on my front porch every year, in honor of those who served and fought for liberty and freedom. God bless these brave men and women who supported them. May God Bless America. Happy Independence Day everyone!
Independence Day is a reminder to me of how lucky I am to be born in America; of all the infinite combinations of centuries and geographical places on Earth I could have been born and somehow I landed here! As I get older I have become ever more appreciative of freedom of choice and rights we have here. America is the top choice of immigrants for good reason, and it makes me sad when Lady Liberty is derided.
Independence Day symbolizes freedom and possibly a gift card! 😊
Independence Day means a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for the founding fathers of our country well over 200+ years ago who had this vision of freedom, liberty , and all the unalienable rights that brings, and fought valiantly for these benefits to form these United Stated of America. My family and I are proud to be a beneficiary of this fight, and equally proud and extremely grateful to be an American. Happy Birthday America!
Fundamentally, Independence Day marks the beginning of an attempt to create a form of government answerable to ordinary people.
(Also it’s good to see you still around. I was a reader in the FMF days.)
This giveaway is over. Here are the winners and the times they commented:
Dan DeAntonellis — JULY 2, 2022 AT 6:27 AM
J-P Manley — JULY 2, 2022 AT 8:12 AM
PatriotJoe — JULY 2, 2022 AT 1:15 PM
Kate Biederwolf — JULY 3, 2022 AT 7:19 AM
HammerT — JULY 4, 2022 AT 11:22 AM
I will be emailing each of you to confirm your email addresses before I send out the ecards.
Thanks to everyone for entering!!!!