July 6, 2005
Independence Day
Independence Day.
The United States of America's very own holiday.
Most pholks just call it the Fourth of July. Fireworks, barbecue, the beach, the lake, the mountains, the swimming pool. Cold beer, hot dogs, and hamburgers.
But I for one think we really need to make a more concerted effort to give more emphasis on the Independence Day portion of our founding day celebration.
Sure pholks, I know all of us hear, see, speak and listen to great patriotic speeches sometime during the mid-summer holiday. Our nation's birthday. But how much attention do we really give to the most American of holidays. Do we take too much for granted? You bet we do.
Although patriotism is on a high level with our nation at war, I think we still don't ponder the importance of what we are celebrating.
Independence is more than an adjective, (the way it most commonly is used).
I had a quiet Fourth of July. Didn't light a sparkler or set off a single $12 fountain. Didn't fight any traffic nor did I get sun burned. I watched a couple baseball games. Grilled some pork chops in the kitchen and heard the neighborhood fire off their arsenal. Took a short ride around town and saw way too many illegal sky rockets and lots of smoke. All in all it was a nice day. No complaints.
But the most rewarding part of the day was the time I spent giving serious consideration to the two-word term, Independence Day. I took my time.
I took it one letter at a time.
I – To me that stands for Individual. Each of us Americans is an individual. Each of our votes counts in electing our leaders. Each individual has the right to be his or her self. For some it doesn't happen. Each can speak his or her own mind, worship any God we choose. Or choose not to worship. We are a united group of individuals.
N - Stands for nation. A nation of united individuals. We are a nation of states. Each is just as important as the other. No matter how our country is divided, we are a nation. Independent states, an independent nation.
D - Democracy is the first word that comes to mind. Our form of governing ourselves is not a perfect method of running a nation, but democracy has proved itself to be the best answer so far. Some disagree. Each opinion counts. That's what democracy is all about. The majority rules but everyone has a voice. And the freedom to make it heard.
E - The first of four of these letters. None is more important than the other. I see the first E as standing for equal. That word is a great one. Equality is something we strive for. It hasn't become a reality. We all have an equal right to live free and exercise all our guaranteed rights. That is true equality, pholks.
P - Patriotism is the logical word for P. The word to best describe love of one's county. Patriotism applies to the any person's homeland. But Americans just seem to think of it as our own. It just seems to be one of the words that is a perfect fit. Our founding fathers wear it well.
E - Education is important to all the world's peoples. In America everyone has the opportunity to an education. The strength of a nation is the strength of the mind's of its people. That's how I see it. Education is a goal. We must continue to do all we can to insure that the opportunity is equal for everyone. If there is a way to improve the world, not just our nation, it is through education.
N - Noble. While we are not a nation governed by nobility, we are a noble nation. Most of the world looks up to us. We give of ourselves and always can be counted upon. We are not perfect but we are a young nation and have a lot to be proud of.
D - Diversified. Perhaps one of our most important qualities. We are all individuals but we are all diverse. We celebrate all cultures. The term melting pot is often used. Diversity is shorter. We are diverse and we are united.
E - Energetic. We are an energetic people. We are an energetic nation. We are not a lazy people. We must never forget the energy and dedication it took to explore, expand and build this nation. From sea to shining sea. From the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam... The results of our energetic spirit are all around us. It always will be. And don't forget, we have just started.
N - Novel. Our form of government has been referred to as a novel experiment. It seems to have worked. Not perfectly but it is a form which many others now use as a stencil as they continue their quests for freedom and stability.
C - Confidence. We are the most looked up to nation in the world. We are proud and we are confident. We strive to make others that way. Confidence builds confidence. Our confidence must continue to be an example for the rest of the world's people. That's a good thing.
E - Enterprising. The United States of America didn't just happen. Everything this nation has achieved and will continue to flourish because we are an enterprising people. A people of mixed origins, cultures and customs. Together we have progressed faster than any nation on earth.
Put them all together and they mean a lot.
And don't any of you pholks ever forget it.
Happy birthday.
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