Tomorrow is not only July 4 2014 but it will mark the 75th Anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech to Yankees baseball. This personally hits home for me as my Most Handsome Cousin in California has been fighting this battle with ALS for over three years. So PROUD of Bobby Duffy his Awesome Wife Karen, their battle and the fact he is still here today with us to celebrate this monumental occasion.

In case you did not know, Major League Baseball is paying tribute to Lou Gehrig and the disease as it commemorates the 75th Anniversary of his “Luckiest Man” speech given by Lou Gehrig 75 years ago.

Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day turns out to be the most poignant and emotionally charged event in the history of New York sports, thanks largely to the 277 words the guest of honor spoke that day, deep and simple sentiments, straight from the heart of an immigrant’s son from Yorkville. Yankee legend’s strength and courage as he declares himself ‘the luckiest man on the face of this earth’ knowing he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), now best known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I believe that sentiment is what we all can embrace this Friday as we come together to celebrate the Fourth of July, baseball, apple pie, Freedom and America while we increase awareness for ALS.

All MLB Clubs playing at home on Friday will conduct special on-field ceremony. Plus, MLB will unveil a special commemorative 75th Anniversary patch, shown above, which will be worn by all players, managers, coaches and umpires. In addition, a video will be played in all ballparks featuring one first baseman from Each MLB Club reciting a line from Gehrig’s speech.

The MLB Network will also air 75th Anniversary programming including “Pride of the Yankees,” the Academy Award-winning film about Gehrig’s life and career. The film will air on Sunday, July 6 so be sure to catch this show.

Last another shout out to Bobby Duffy my Handsome Cousin who Has always held a place in All Our Families heart from the first time he kicked a soccer ball to each day we celebrate His Life … here’s to 30 more Wonderful Years with you Bobby!

Until next time, keep it REAL … REAL FUN that is and don’t forget to catch the film … Brenda 🙂

Known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July Fourth has been a Federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution 1775-83. In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees. Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a major focus of leisure activities and the most common symbol of the holiday is the American flag, and a common musical accompaniment is The Star-Spangled Banner, our national anthem for the United States.

Let us never forget the awesome men and women who have fought for us in the past and present day. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, barbecues, concerts, baseball games, family reunions to casual family or friends gathering chocked full of FUN.

However you and yours chose to celebrate here to Independence and the good ole USA, May God Bless America while we reconnect with our Constitution that is great country is founded on!

Until next year enjoy 2014 July Fourth and keep it REAL … Real FUN that is! Brenda 🙂