While Thursday was a national holiday to celebrate America’s independence, it turns out that today is a day to celebrate the Rainbow Bridge.

July 5 is Pet Remembrance Day, according to www.daysoftheyear.com. The website states that the day can stir up a mixture of emotions for those of who have loved — and those who have felt the loss — of a special pet.

It’s a day filled with memories of the happiness and fun times our furry friends brought into our lives.

“For those reasons, it’s also natural to feel the pang of their absence. It’s natural to recall their gentle weight warming our feet on the chilliest of winter evenings. This day provides a space for us to reflect and to grieve.

“Pet Remembrance Day means honoring the pets who await us eagerly so that we may cross the Rainbow Bridge together — a team reunited. It’s a time to embrace both the joy and the sorrow, to celebrate the unforgettable moments we shared with our pets.”

Many of Journal employees have lost furry friends over the years, and it’s not a feeling that gets any easier as we age. In fact, we may cling to and depend on our pets even more as we get older.

The website states that the founders of Pet Remembrance Day were Pets Magazine and Lars Anderson, founder of Arty Lobster. Their vision was a day to pay homage to this age-old bond. It’s a day dedicated to all pets, and it celebrates the wonderful part they played in our lives.

It doesn’t matter the pet you have lost is a dog, cat, horse, parrot, or snake. Pet Remembrance Day is for you to remember that special pal.

“In the 17th and 18th centuries, European pet ownership, particularly in Britain, symbolized social and economic status. They were primarily kept among the elite. However, the middle class began its formation around the 19th century.

“Keeping a pet in the home became more widespread. Pets soon transcended social classes. Pets — dogs and cats — were no longer just companions but also symbols of comfort and status.”

Today, we remember our special friends that have come and gone. You may be on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, but you will never be forgotten.