The Significance of the Fourth of July

What you know about the Declaration of Independence is from history books, lessons, and legends.  I will tell you what most people know about the United States.  It is a federal holiday.  It celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 when the thirteen American colonies became a nation named the United States of America.  A fun fact, before I get to that point, is that Congress declared Independence on July 2nd, but we will keep that between ourselves.  

Fireworks, parades, fairs, picnics, concerts, family reunions, barbeques, and other family celebrations are associated with the Fourth of July.  I don’t think George Washington and the Congress expected it to be as festive as is! It is a holiday where businesses are closed and most people get the day off.  Throughout the years, I never took the time to think about the Fourth of July as I am now.  The freedoms that we celebrate today are because of a series of events that led a group of people to understand that, in thought and theory, everyone deserves a chance to pursue their dreams.

What is the Real Significance and What is My Point?

I get it.  You might not care!  I will get to the point.  Fast forward over two hundred years later and the United States has done well for itself.  There is more to the Fourth of July than what people care to remember. Its significance, now that I am a bit older and wiser, is that it reminds us how important our freedom is.  The freedom we received may not have been perfect or ideal, yet the principle is a beautiful concept.  Slaves, discrimination, and the injustices were imperfections of a perfect ideology.  Imagine a country where people never wanted to progress or improve upon a perfect vision?  There would not be a single person who would fight for anyone.

I am writing this today because the many students I meet remind me of how freedom has helped millions of people strive for better.  We are halfway through the year.  It may bother us that we did not complete our to-do list.  However, you had the freedom to not complete it!  Success is always possible and that is what you should remember about today.

Enjoy time with your family, festivities, and remember that you are free!