And you get …

Column by Ellen Boukari

What do the 30th president of the United States, an advice columnist and journalist/talk show host have in common?

Not much?

What if you knew these individuals to be Calvin Coolidge, the original Dear Abby and Geraldo Rivera?

Still not much?

Think again.

They each share what could be described as the most significant day of their life — their birthday (Unless you count the sensationalized but altogether disappointing day Geraldo unsealed Al Capone’s secret vault).

Their birthdays also happen to coincide with the birth of this great nation – the Fourth of July.

In their own way, they each share something else:  Coolidge, a man of few words, Dear Abby, a woman of many words and Rivera, well we’re still not certain what he’ll be remembered for, other than the Al Capone vault debacle — and perhaps his incredibly overstated mustache.

Imagine having the Fourth of July as your birthday.  The benefits are endless.  Your birthday is a national holiday.  No work for you … and you get fireworks!

Good cheer abounds as festivities take center stage throughout the land.  Not only do entire communities celebrate, the entire country is in party overload.  The color theme is always red, white and blue.  No need to suffer trendy but detestable colors such as puce or persimmon.  And there are always plenty of matching decorations – streamers, bunting, sparkly hats, balloons and bows.  And you get fireworks!

You have songs, books and movies.  The weather is great.  Outdoor fun rules — swimming, golfing, biking and hiking, and don’t forget America’s favorite pastime — baseball — all taking prominence in July.  It’s a national tradition.  People actually look forward to your birthday. And did I mention …you get fireworks!

You can’t beat that with a Louisville Slugger!

July is the month for some extraordinary birthdays, most notably the birth of this great nation.  So, whether you celebrate the Fourth of July because it’s your birthday, your anniversary or because it’s a great American holiday, have fun, be safe and blow out the color coordinated candles for me.

And … enjoy the fireworks!