The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day. In the media, there’s more emphasis on celebration. Fireworks, barbecues and nail colors galore! Celebrating is fantastic, and I personally think that we need to celebrate every day because every day is a gift given to us. So believe me, I’m not saying, “don’t celebrate Independence Day!” That would make me a buzzkill, which is the last thing I want to be. All I’m saying is that many of us, including me before college, only look at this holiday as a day off. We need to appreciate the deeper meaning of Independence Day. What is this about?
Independence Day is about the United States breaking off from the British Empire. The Declaration of Independence was created and put into place on July 4, 1776, which then allowed the United States to break free from Britain. One of the lines from the Declaration of Independence is, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (Wikipedia). This line means that everyone should be treated equally. If only every person had a handheld Declaration of Independence in their pocket! Especially the Republican candidate for the 2016 election, if you know what I mean.
Having the Declaration of Independence put into place was a big deal back in 1776, and it still should be today. This document promotes equality and freedom. On every Fourth of July, we should not just think, “Yay! Let’s have a BBQ!” We should think, “Oh my gosh! This day marks the 240th year since the Declaration of Independence has been signed! If it had not been for this document, life would not be the same today!” Just be more aware of the true significance of the Fourth of July.
A few years ago, I would have never been writing this article. I was someone who viewed this holiday as a party; as a day where families celebrate and nothing more. Then I entered my freshman year of college. I became very close friends with the 2015-2016 President of the Resident Student Association at Dean College. Then we became best friends! I remember hearing my best friend, Alyssa, talk about the Fourth of July and how it is her favorite holiday. At first, I was confused. I thought to myself, “Why is the Fourth of July so great? I never see the fireworks, I don’t eat a lot of Fourth of July related food, and I just don’t get it.” Part of the issue for me is in past years, I have been at sleep-away camps on Independence Day. I never really celebrated it there. This is the first year in a long time that I’ve been with my parents during this holiday.
After I heard Alyssa talking about Independence Day, I decided to research the meaning of this holiday. I did some digging and I was surprised at how much this holiday really did connect to me, to everyone in the United States. This past weekend, I was more aware of how awesome Independence Day truly is. People do change people. Thank you Alyssa for opening my eyes to accept this holiday and to love it.
The Fourth of July already passed, but that does not mean that you have to wait until next year to honor it! Take a moment this week to acknowledge this past holiday. Be proud to be an American citizen. Have some barbecue, paint your nails red, whit and blue, wear a shirt that’s patriotic. Don’t be afraid to have fun and celebrate in your own way, but while celebrating, remember the Declaration of Independence. You are free because of it. Let freedom reign.
