What To Look Forward To On July Fourth
Start writing a post
Community

What To Look Forward To On July Fourth

Despite the divisions in our country, I am still excited for July Fourth and you should be too.

16
What To Look Forward To On July Fourth
Personal Photo

We come once again to another July Fourth, the 243rd birthday of our great country.

Sure, the United States has its flaws like all other countries. But just like celebrating a person's birthday, you focus on their good qualities and what they have done in life. Life is a fragile thing and you are happy when you can mark off another year of being alive. There were times in the past where no one thought the United States would celebrate its birthday. Yet we are here, despite the unspeakable carnage at Gettysburg in 1863 or the threat of a nuclear strike in the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

Americans were divided during those times too. The rhetoric before and during the Civil War was unbelievable. Americans were also divided during the Revolutionary War. If you want an idea of how divided they were, read "Tracts of the American Revolution 1763-1776." It is a fascinating insight into what our forefathers debated over.

Today, things seem bad when you look at the media and witness partisanship. Everyone seems divided and believes in totally opposite narratives. I will not deny that the media is doing a horrible job of being objective and it's fanning the flames in order to obtain profits. But that is not the point of this article. The point is that in three days, we should all celebrate America's birthday.

Everyone has different family traditions on July Fourth. For mine, we usually plan a family gathering at my house, grill hamburgers and hotdogs (can't get any more American than that!), swim in our pool and play volleyball or badminton. Usually, no one talks about politics or the government. If we talk about America, we take the time during prayer to thank God for our freedom and democratic republic. And if we really take time to reflect, we thank God for the bravery of our ancestors who decided to take a stand against tyranny and give everything for liberty, even their own lives.

We are fortunate because there are billions of people who lack the freedoms we have in the United States. We have the freedom to debate ideas and choose political parties. We have the freedom to start our own businesses or associations. We have the freedom to choose and live by our personal and religious beliefs. You can find plenty of stories in the news of people being murdered or persecuted in other countries for what they believe in. Muslims are suffering under the Chinese government for their beliefs. Christians in many countries, like Nigeria or India, also face persecution for following their religion. Homosexuals can be executed in Saudi Arabia and the act itself is illegal in several other countries.

We have it really good in the United States. I think it's fair for every American to appreciate what we have on July Fourth.

Inevitably the news and most politicians will continue the drama we watch and hear every day, even on July Fourth. Someone will yell about President Trump or there will be more rants about Nancy Pelosi. How about we tune out the news on July Fourth and enjoy the day with our families and friends. Let's ignore political differences and treat each other as Americans. Let's celebrate the birthday of our country and take pride in its achievements.

For me, I am going to enjoy eating hot dogs and the swimming pool.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58979
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38074
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959575
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

196106
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments