Independence Day

            Tomorrow Americans will celebrate independence from Great Britain. Independence came after a long war. It is interesting that the American colonists did not want to break with their mother country. They were perfecting content to be British citizens until Parliament began levying heavy taxes. The cry went up that is still remembered and applicable today: “No taxation with representation.”

            Americans celebrate independence on the Fourth of July. It is one of the nation’s biggest holidays and features fireworks, parades, and celebration across the nation. American colonists were in their second year of the Revolutionary War when representatives from the Thirteen Colonies met to determine what they would do. They decided to write a Declaration of Independence, and they signed the document on July 4, 1776.

            Americans have celebrated the signing of the Declaration of Independence for more than 240 years, but many Americans do not even understand the importance of the day. My family always celebrated the Fourth of July, but I heard no mention of the reason for the celebration. We set aside the work on the farm for the day in order to attend a rodeo or to make a rare trip into the mountains for the day. It was a day of family togetherness and fun, and I always enjoyed our activities. When I was married with children of my own, my husband and I took our children and went camping for several day. We had a wonderful time, but we did not discuss the reason for the holiday.

            How many other families plan a fun time and delicious food but never mention the reason for the celebration? How about your family? Is the Fourth of July just another holiday, or does it have meaning in your life? Is it any wonder that so many of the rising generation have no idea of the greatness of America?