Congress made Independence Day a holiday in 1870. In 1938 Congress officially made it a holiday for federal employees. With the 4th of July falling on a Tuesday this year, most of us will get 2 days off work. And it is hard to argue that is a bad thing. But it is a bad thing if we forget the horrible cost, in blood and treasure, Independence Day has exacted on many of our ancestors.
Everyone has at least an inkling of the importance of the 4th of July. Sadly, the understanding of the holiday diminishes as we go backwards from senior citizens to teens. While not wholly culpable, this fact is partly the fault of our government schools. They have chosen to attempt a rewrite of history in an effort to better fit their anti-American agenda. Concerned citizens have taken steps toward righting this deficiency, but it will take many years before schools willingly teach those things we know to be important in creating good citizens. In the mean time parents and grandparents can have an immediate impact on their progeny.
Before the government began indoctrinating our children, and the internet diminished our ability to think on our own, children were told stories about the greatness of their ancestors, and their country. Elders would sit with the children and tell them about the importance of things like the 10 Commandments. They were taught the difference in right and wrong, and that there was little room for interpretation. Today, our children are taught there are no universal truths, that we are each entitled to our own individual truths. Honest adults understand that is nonsense. They know there are some things that are true for everyone. It is always wrong to take things that belong to others, and there are only 2 genders, are a couple of examples of universal truths.
We must reinforce the fact that we live in the greatest nation on earth. It is important that young people understand that didn’t happen by accident. They need to know that exceptional countries exist because exceptional people live there. I believe it is time for moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, and adults of all stripes, to share their knowledge about Independence Day with young people. Some of us will find it easy to tell stories, others will find it more difficult. With smart phones and computers it should be relatively easy to choose a figure to discuss and to research your choice.
You could opt for one of your favorite historical figures. An obvious choice would be Thomas Jefferson, the man credited with writing the Declaration of Independence. That document ultimately led to Independence Day. You might talk about how George Washington led local rag tag militias to defeat the greatest military in the world. You could reminisce about how Abraham Lincoln gambled his career, and lost his life, abolishing slavery. More recent examples are John Glenn and Martin Luther King Jr. Our history is replete with extraordinary people who were either directly involved in forming the USA, or who made huge contributions in protecting and advancing our culture.
Your story needn’t be about a famous historical figure. It could be about a relative who fought for our country, or made their community better through their personal efforts and sacrifice. Henry Ford, the Kellogg brothers, or other leaders of the industrial revolution, would fit the bill. Would we be enjoying the same level of independence, or comfort, were it not for Edwin L. Drake, Thomas Edison, or Alexander Graham Bell? Each was a pioneer who helped the USA become dominant players in the world, and gave is strength that kept us independent.
If we don’t take the time to inform the uninformed (we might be surprised by the number of adults who will be tuned into our stories) about the importance of Independence Day we may find that we have lost more than the Independence Day holiday. We may well lose our independence.
Thank you for taking the time to read my latest post. If you like it, please tell your friends about it. Have a wonderful Independence Day holiday weekend. Bob