Elizabeth Miri | The Monarch Ranger
AUSTIN – The Fourth of July, Independence Day, Freedom Day – whatever you call it, there is no doubt that July 4, 1776 was a significant day in American History.
From singing the national anthem, to spending time with our neighbors, to watching a fireworks display, Americans have many traditions on this special day. While these traditions are certainly fun, do they have any real significance or meaning?
It turns out that they do.
Fireworks are one of the most iconic traditions that take place on the Fourth of July. This tradition started on the very first Independence Day celebration in 1777 in Philadelphia. In honor of the thirteen original settler colonies, the celebration included setting off a thirteen cannon salute. Ever since then, the symbol of fireworks lighting the night sky with the bright colors of our flag has been a tradition and a symbol of our freedom.
Although celebrating this holiday with friends and family doesn’t have the same historical significance as the watching of fireworks, it holds plenty of meaning to our communities.
Former US First Lady Michelle Obama once said, “The fact is, with every friendship you make and every bond of trust you establish, you are shaping the image of America projected to the rest of the world.” Not only do we get together to thank, remember, and honor those who sacrificed for our country, but we strive to make America better in the future. Together, we make up America.
No Fourth of July celebration would be complete without a singing of our National Anthem. This inspirational song about American fortitude is sung every Fourth of July. It was written by Francis Scott Key on September 14, 1814, and was set to music in 1931.
Key witnessed the British bombardment during the War of 1812 and was inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry by morning. The poem was originally titled “The Defense of Fort McHenry” but later changed to “The Star-Spangled Banner”. The song represents the bravery, determination, and courage of our troops in the fight for their freedom.
What kind of country could we be today if we never declared independence or fought for freedom? Some people today think that this holiday is not worth celebrating. They believe that the United States is not a force for good, and that the world would be better off if America didn’t exist at all.
Sometimes, with all that is bad in the world, we can forget the good things that remain. Americans have the freedom to say whatever they want, and no one will stop them. They can write whatever they want, and no one will stop them. They can follow their dreams, build the life they want, and even change the world. Whatever her faults, there is still much good in the United States. Quite simply, this is the American Dream.
This is also what we celebrate on the Fourth. We celebrate the victory of those men and women fighting for the freedoms we enjoy today. We remember what it cost for that freedom, because freedom isn’t free.
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