Festivities of The 4th of July

As the 4th of July is upon us, I cannot help but wonder how many of us will be celebrating the day 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. The birth of America became a federal holiday in 1941 but has long been celebrated since the 18th century. The question of independence in 2020 has surfaced on the entire world. It has made us aware that we may not be as free as what we have thought from generations before us. History is being abruptly brought down and hidden away to leaving the question, is our history being taught with truth to impressionable minds that ultimately hold the future in their hands. In today’s world, independent is defined as “not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc.; thinking or acting for oneself: an independent thinker” according to Dictionary.com. As wearing masks is still being touted to be worn and celebrations are not allowed in many places, how are many proud Americans celebrating their patriotism to the land they call home?

Honestly, if it were feasible, I would be packed and traveling to Mount Rushmore. My overwhelming intuition leads me to believe it will be memorable. Imagine, standing before our forefathers etched in the mountainside with the American Flag proudly waving highlighted under rocketing booms of a luminous color exploding across the night sky. Our proud President and Vice President of the United States present with their right hand’s laid upon their hearts overwhelmed with the love of our great nation. Patriotism shared from thousands joining banded in pride for the place they call home. It will be a true celebration that many will watch from a distance, but our hearts will be there with admiration. Our military will be standing tall, as the oath they took convenes in their minds. It would be a patriot’s dream come true. The standing ovation for independent freedom will overtake the nighttime sounds and bright light will bring the world together.

Although living in an area that has canceled our right for group celebration of our Independence, patriotism will be adapted. The smell of barbecues will fill the air involving teams of close family, friends, and neighbors to rejoice in their freedom of building a home, a family, and a life in the United States. An afternoon of back yard games and comradery will prevail, and shared stories and laughter will echo the community. Burgers and hot dogs will fill the bellies of children running off excitement as they wait for dark to partake in their personal showing of fireworks contained on a dead-end road. Our neighbors will set up chairs in their driveways as darkness begins to fall, pooling our fireworks together that were purchased from the nearest vendor set up roadside. A meeting in the middle of the road will concur. A small arsenal of exploding lights fired high into the sky to insight our patriotic support of freedom and independence will reflect in children’s eyes as they watch intently with smiles from ear to ear and only understanding at that moment the independence to enjoy what they are witnessing. It is the moment they realize that they are proud to be an American. Bonfires will take over with illuminating the night and roasting marshmallows for smores. We will sleep well knowing that we exercised our rights in celebration of independence and freedom and we will wake up to continue to strive in our daily lives for the same independence and freedom, but through peace and with good intentions.

Patriots alike share a common ground. They share a deep love and gratitude for inspiration of faith, country, and love. Inspiring research for knowledge of truth and justice. July 4th should be celebrated for our freedom to think, feel, and see. We should celebrate our freedom of religion and social choices. Independence allows for a choice in education and employment and where we choose to raise our children. Our military men and women make the independent choice to protect our freedom. Everyone should celebrate and take great pride of the land that has given us our freedom and independence and cherish the ideals this great country was founded on and is fighting a war to continue to stand for. I implore you to dig deep down inside of your being this July 4th, and ponder what freedom and independence means to you. What is your hope for our future in the United States? I am hopeful, you too, will see that the red, white, and blue includes you too in America. Happy 4th of July!