Jul 04 2009
Happy Independence Day
Happy Independence Day!
Today is Juily 4, 2009; the day we celebrate the independence and establishment of the United States of America.
What are you doing to celebrate this occassion? Many people are gathering with friends and family to BBQ. Some are going camping, on trips. Most will be watching fireworks this evening.
While those are all great things to do, what are you doing to celebrate the meaning of the day? My mother used to read the Constitution to us, and the Declaration of Independence. It doesn’t take that long, but it brings those documents to the front of your mind; the documents that established this nation, and helped form the political landscape.
Some people attend memorial services for those who have died in service to this country. Family members might go to grave sites. There is a family in our neighborhood who writes short letters to soldiers to say thanks for serving, and then puts them in the mail box. That’s going to make a huge difference to a soldier who is far away from home, and who might not get any mail.
Fireworks, fun and friends are all good things to do. But also include something about the spirit of the day. Don’t simply think its a fun day to have off that we get to have hamburgers and pasta salad. Make sure to include something about the meaning of independence, of the United States of America. The USA is more than simply documents or a geographic region. It is an idea, an ideal, that is embodied in the documents of its founding.
So share the idea, read the documents. Celebrate the spirit, and the fun, of the day.
Very nicely done. I would like to extend my wishes to you and your family for a fun and safe holiday weekend. I think your Mom had a great approach-something that it’s important to all of us but particularly the kids. Again, have a great weekend!