Marlee 'Splains The 4th Of July

Marlee jumped up on Grandma B's lap and gave her a big hug. "I just love you whole big bunches, B. What are we going to do today?"
Grandma B gave Marlee a big hug back and said, "Well today is the 4th of July and we are going to have a lot of company. We need to do a lot of cleaning and cooking to have everything already for them when they get here."
Of course, Marlee loved company but she asked why they were having a party.
After Grandma B told Marlee the story of the Declaration of Independence and what had led up to its signing by some very important men, Marlee went to find Stashia.
Marlee found Stashia out on the porch. She told Stashia what Grandma B had told her. "Stashia, did you know that a long long time ago that there were old guys, even older than my daddy that got into a fight with other old guys?"
Stashia asked Marlee why they had gotten into a fight.
Marlee said, "Well, B said that some of them wanted to go to a church that was different than the other guys. They didn't like that and told them that they all had to go to the same church or they would get put in "time out." So they decided to run away from home. They came here to 'Merica to go to church.
Now they can go to any church that they want to. They don't even have to go to church if they don't want to. B says that is called freedom."
Stashia nodded her head and said that she had heard that story before and it was a good thing.
Marlee said that when those old folks got done fighting they signed a paper and shook hands. A lot of people were very very happy and celebrated by having picnics. That's why we are having a picnic today.
Grandma B said that lots of people gave speeches that day. "Stashia, when I get big I want to give a lot of speeches. That's when you talk a lot, Stashia."
Stashia made a noise in her throat and said to herself, "And you will probably run for President of these United States of America, Miss Marlee,
because those old folks fought for your freedom years ago. You now have the freedom to do whatever you want to do when you live here; no time outs unless you are naughty. And.... you already are making speeches whether you know it or not!"
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Marlee and her friends and family wish all of you a very happy and safe Fourth of July.