As July 4th Weekend comes to an end and the BBQ grills cool
off, it is time for us all to get back to work and our daily routines. Aside from the traditional
ways this U.S holiday is observed with picnics, fireworks and gatherings, how
many of us know why we even celebrate it on July 4th?
240 years ago on July 4th 1776 the Continental
Congress declared The United States of America an independent nation with the
signing of the Declaration of Independence. At least that is what we were all
taught in grade school right?
But that isn’t exactly true.
Did you know it was really decided on July 2nd and the
declaration wasn’t actually signed until August 2, 1776 when all the editing
and changes were made and agreed upon?
For the first 100 years after the
Declaration was made official, people did not take it serious. Democratic-Republicans
were in favor of the Declaration and Thomas Jefferson but the Federalists felt
it was “too French” and too “anti-British”. FFS It isn’t a party until someone
loses an eye right? SMH
Anyway, all the drama between the parties seemed to fade
when the Federalists fell apart as new parties were created in support of the
declaration. As we all know, Politics can be complicated and a topic of many
debates since we all have our own points of views and opinions. So I won’t even go there.
Today, most people don’t flock to Washington, DC to protest
the declaration or even care to get a glimpse of the declaration- instead many
are rushing liquor stores, beer distributors, local pot dealers and what have you. Even Walmart and Costco for the last of the
hamburgers, hot dogs and buns- or those parking lot tents along the side of main
roads to rack up on cheap explosives to set off while cities display their own thunderous displays setting off car alarms and scaring small children and family pets. Times have certainly changed over the centuries.
It really doesn’t matter
how we celebrate just as long as we are with family and friends, being safe and
we don’t lose any fingers.
To me, it is a day like any other. Life itself should be celebrated. Sure, I
am proud to be an American, and yes I went to Walmart, the liquor store-and got my cheap fireworks for a grand BBQ with family and friends, but most importantly I'm just grateful to be in a country
that is free.
I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Fourth of July
weekend. Now let’s get back to Summer!
-Lanai
The word "FREE" is overly used. Our freedom came with a price. While I don't care what I was taught in School. I have had the chance to talk to older generations that were alive during the wars, and I listened to them. Our freedom comes with a price. Every soldier that has died on and off the battle field fought for our freedom, so I celebrate those and remember those instead of a piece of paper a bunch of people signed. I also fight for our right to display certain flags, as it is said some flags are for racism, which again soliders bled and died while carry those flags. So that day in my eyes just does not exist cause even then a war broke out and freedom came with a heavy price and burden, Lives lost does not equal freedom. That is the price that is paid each time a soldier dies. Nothing in life is FREE.
ReplyDeleteHi Shadowz, thank you for your comment. I agree nothing in life is ever really free. There is always a price to pay. Respectfully, every national holiday is observed differently by people. Some have lost touch with their meanings while other choose to remember what is associated with those holidays. Veterans Day to me is a day to be thankful for all the sacrifices made by brave men and woman who fought for our country and their families and for the freedoms and liberties we have today, including flying any flag you want regardless of its meanings to others. Let's not steer away from this articles topic; Independence Day. It is a day to celebrate the birth of a nation. Again. Thank you for responding to this article. I love to hear from our readers!
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