Thoughts on a 4th of July

Like many Americans across the amber waves of grain, I slept in on the fourth of July, free from the daily toil of having to work for a 9 – 5 world.  After rising from a morning snooze, and spending some much needed time in the garden, my husbear and I enjoyed some lazy time reading the paper and puttering around before heading over to a friend’s house for the typical collage of alcohol, charred meat, and things-that-go-boom-in-the-night.  On the way home from a relaxing and enjoyable day with friends, I waxed philosophic about the holiday and about the traditional means of celebrating.

 

Has the fourth of July lost its meaning? 

 

Oh sure, many of us go about the traditional steps of celebrating the holiday.  But has the meaning become buried or altogether forgotten amid all of the celebration?  Think about it – when most of us are asked about the 4^th of July, most often the very first thing that pops into mind is the idea of fireworks.  Add on back yard barbecues, beer, dressing in red, white n’ blue, town parades, etc., and the image of the celebration is very clear.  Yet, what is the 4^th of July actually about?  Is the holiday marked as a show of patriotism, or simply a chance to kick back in the back yard and go, “OOH!  AHH!” over pyrotechnics? 

 

Growing up in New England, I recognize that I had a strong advantage over many when it comes to patriotic observations - after all, that is where most of them happened.  I’ve traveled to Philadelphia and touched the Liberty Bell.  I have walked the Freedom Trail in Boston.  Strolling along the beaches of Provincetown, I have stood on the spot where natives may have seen the Mayflower making the perilous crossing.  Surrounded by so much history it is hard not to think about those brave souls over two hundred years ago who fought the British so that America would no longer be simply a colony, but a force of its own. 

 

Now don’t get me wrong – I have no issue with the fun holiday traditions.  I love fireworks just like the next guy.  I love back yard barbecues.  But these wonderful and fun concepts were designed to enhance the observation and the reflection – not replace them.  How many typical “holidays” have lost their meaning?  I’ll be the first to admit, “Memorial Day” is for me an extended weekend.  I cannot say that I have ever visited a military cemetery to say a word of thanks in quiet meditation.  That is my bad.  I don’t recall the last time I planted a tree on Arbor Day.  And what the heck are we SUPPOSED to do on Labor Day, anyway?  Know what I mean?

 

I guess I don’t really have any solutions here.  I’m not even sure if there is a problem, per se.  Maybe our forefathers would be happy to think of an America where many of her citizens can take time to spend with family and friends in the back yard with a good barbecue.  Maybe they’d be happy to know that the fireworks that became part of their tradition have carried through to modern times.  I just know that for me, at some point during the day, I enjoy taking a moment to reflect back upon those early colonists – frightened rebels that they were, fighting mighty England.  To sign the Declaration of Independence was to sign a death warrant if the colonists had lost.  What brave rebels they were.  Unsure of their fate… unsure of their ability... yet sure in their determination. 

 

Thank you founding fathers.  I don’t know if you’d be happy with where the country is today, but I can only hope that you enjoy the pyrotechnics, and enjoy a plate food (or more) off the grill.

My wonderful friends

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