Danville 4th of July – A Celebration Of Freedom!
July 8, 2009 by Jim Walberg · Leave a Comment
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Jim Walberg has enjoyed freedom all of his life. Much of the world has not had that experience. It is important to not take it for granted, and Danville’s 4th of July Parade is example of “Freedom On Parade”!
The Kiwana’s Club of Danville has been the organizer of the 4th of July Parade for 40 years. It has become the largest of the Bay Area parades over the years. There are typically 50,000+ spectators and several hundred parade units, from the lawn mower brigade, antique cars, marching bands, and regional politicians. This year was a very special one as our men and women in military were again honored.
Nelson Mandela is one of my heroes who symbolizes the word FREEDOM. Here is a portion of his inagural address when he was installed as the first African president of South Africa in 1993. It is my favorite sentiments about what to do with the gift of freedom. As I celebrate another 4th of July celebration I wanted to share President Mandela’s thoughts about what freedom means to him and his country.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Each of us have “baggage” that slows us down. Our job is to discover that baggage and get rid of it so we can discover the person our creator meant us to be – magnificent.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your “playing small” doesn’t serve the world at all.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of the God that is within each of us. It’s not just in some of us. It’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people PERMISSION to do the same – to be great! We will provide the tools and the atmosphere for you to be GREAT, but it is your choice if that is what you become! As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others.
As we and others celebrate their special day of FREEDOM let’s keep the citizens in Iran and Iraq in our thoughts and prayers as they are looking for a path that will take them to an experience of freedom in their countries. Freedom is something that is hard fought in order to secure it. And, it comes from citizens who are committed to oppose oppression and a society without freedoms. It is a gift that everyone in the world deserves to enjoy. Please share with me your thoughts about what freedom means to you. Until next time…your East Bay lifestyle detective remains on duty.
Related posts:
- The East Bay’s Old Oak Tree Lighting Celebration In Danville!
- Some East Bay Real Estate Is On The Slippery Slide Of FEAR!
- East Bay Real Estate – Further July Updates! The Word Is Still “Micro-Markets”!
Filed Under: Blog, Memorial Moments, News
Tagged: Danville 4th of July Parade, east bay real estate, Freedom in Iraq, Jim Walberg, Nelson Mandela
