The roots of the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration stem from Frank’s personal love for the Fourth of July holiday, reminiscent of youthful nights in northern Idaho setting off firecrackers on the farm. “It was a big deal to us,” says Frank, remembering those summer nights, “and it’s kind of grown since then.”
“Our approach to creating one of the best fireworks shows in the country is to use the night sky above the Snake River as our canvas,” says Frank VanderSloot. “We’ll paint the entire sky, from top to bottom, using every color of the rainbow and synchronizing every shell and every note with the soundtrack.”
“In America, it’s easy to take our freedoms for granted,” Frank said. “Sometimes we need to be reminded that freedom isn’t free. It came at a tremendous cost, not paid by us, but paid by the over one million men and women who have died in battle since 1776. Their lives were cut short because of their incomprehensible sacrifice.”
“We honor our founders, mistakes and all, whose courage and devotion sparked a mighty revolution,” says Frank VanderSloot. “Those brave men and women fought for independence, for justice and for a world free from tyranny. They fought with words and ideas, with pen and parchment, with powder and musket. They fought for their homes, for their children, and for future generations.”
“Today, we as Americans unite to thank and honor all those who have served in the military. We are eternally grateful for your sacrifice and for the hardships you’ve endured to protect our freedoms! We also honor the families of our military personnel and say thank you for your support and sacrifice. Our veterans are the guardians of our freedom! Simply saying thank you is not enough. We know that we can never repay you! But we hope that the knowledge that you have kept us safe and kept America a free nation will fill you with pride and honor for generations to come.”