This past weekend we had the opportunity to attend a community festival celebrating the hard-won and tenaciously held freedoms of the USA. While we didn’t go to every booth or table we made it a priority to attend the premier activity of the evening – a laser light show.
Now the light show wasn’t what you might get at a rock concert, the Summer Olympics, or even a millennial celebration. It was simply a selection of truly American patriotic songs. My kids danced to “Living in America” (James Brown), “Where the Eagle Flies” (Aaron Tippin) and The “America Soldier” (Toby Keith) marched in defiance of tyranny and service to this country. The songs spoke to how much we value the history and heritage of the home we call the United States of America. It made an impression on me. It renewed me.
Which brings me to the question of this article: What defines ‘happiness’ for you on Independence Day? What makes the 4th of July such a happy time for the USA? What makes you want to get together with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate on Independence Day? Is it because it’s a good excuse? A federal holiday and a long weekend? Do we just celebrate with a melancholy fondness the sacrifices and struggles that brought about our ability to have such a day? Or do we have an ideal, a purpose to live by? Can we celebrate Independence Day without BBQ, watermelons, fireworks, or firetrucks flying flags?
Personally, I do not want my kids growing up thinking we celebrate war or tragic events. (We mourn, honor, and remember those who gave their lives in service to the USA. We do not celebrate.) I want my children to grow up celebrating the best the USA has to offer and make it better than the best. I want my children to know in their hearts (not just believe) that the USA is worth celebrating.
When we celebrate the day, “We the people…” declared independence from an oppressive ruler, I want my children to know in their hearts that it was because we relish freedom and want to live our lives fully. And, “When the wolf growls at the door…” (Toby Keith) I pray my children will be ready to defend that which is most precious to every US citizen.
We heard “God Bless the USA” (Lee Greenwood) that night and ‘I thank my lucky stars to be living here today, where the flag still stands for freedom….” It makes me happy knowing I live freely in the best place on earth. And on July 4th, I will celebrate celebrate Independence Day with my family!
