Kids stare in awe or scream in terror, families enjoy their barbecued meal, and some Americans become overwhelmed with pride as the sky flashes with fireworks. The Fourth of July is more than just family barbecues and sparklers. It is a day to celebrate the history of America.
As a child, the words “Independence Day” meant nothing more to me than the latest movie that Will Smith starred in. I understood that it was an important day, but I did not understand how it was important for me.
In fifth grade, I read a book about the Revolutionary War. It all sounded so heroic to me. The colonists in a valorous time, feeling oppressed, rising, rebelling and winning, seemed fascinating. I wanted to be there with them. I wanted to hear Sam Adams speak on tyranny. I wanted to be woken up by Paul Revere riding through the night.
America’s fight to freedom was not a simple negotiation. It was not a treaty signed, nor did it occur overnight. It was a long battle that resulted in the death of thousands of American soldiers. Once I learned this, the meaning changed.
It became more than the holiday that I always received a new red, white and blue shirt for. My eyes were opened to the true purpose of freedom.
America is far from the perfect country. We still have people fighting for their freedoms every day. We have plenty of national debt. We struggle with terrorism. No, we are not the same baby America that severed ties with Britain in 1776, but the Fourth of July is a day to celebrate the freedoms we do have and the struggles that we have overcome.
As a young child, I was one of the kids who stared in awe at the fireworks in the sky. It took a book and a few history lessons for me to realize the power this day holds. While the food is cooking and I twirl the sparklers, I will remember the hardships of the men and women who participated in this fight.