Independence

On a solemn morning, a young lawyer looked out over a bay and witnessed something quite unexpected. The year was 1814 and the young man had just been a spectator to 25 hours of bombardment. The emotions he felt that morning lead him to pen a poem that would no doubt solidify not only what he felt, but also the feelings of a newly birthed nation. It was circled in a handout under the title of “Defence of Fort McHenry.”

Later, after the addition of music, it was renamed and we know it today as the Star-Spangled Banner. The young lawyer’s name was Francis Scott Key.

Now, I don’t give mention to all of that for a history lesson. But it’s weight as such is worthwhile. No, instead I use it to bring to light how we currently feel. No doubt our own feelings echo those felt by the people who were swiftly locked in battle on that fateful night and morning.

Put simply, we’re still here. Still fighting. We haven’t surrendered nor do we intend too.

Farming is a constant battle. Market farming is downright combat! You combat the weather. Soil. Prices of seed and materials. Animals and varmints. Gosh, the list could go on. Then the frontline is firmly established once you reach market. But survive we did.