Here’s hoping that you and yours have a great 4th of July.
It kind of goes without saying that the 4th of July has come to mean a few different things for a lot of different people over the years. But as of now, the 4th still means independence and the unification of many people under a banner that we can be proud to claim as our own. Too many people have, over the years, sought to divide people based on the negative and hurtful things that have happened in the USA. It’s impossible to deny what’s happened, and forgetting it would be a serious insult to those that had to fight to attain what we have now, a country that is meant to belong to all of us, no matter how many imperfections it might have. Our ability to come together as Americans is of the greatest importance at this time, especially considering how divided people have been in recent years. Pride in one’s country isn’t required to live here, but it’s definitely something that draws us together instead of pulling us apart.
Those that feel the need to keep pointing out the most negative parts of America’s history are often those that have been hurt, violated, or have become disillusioned for some reason as to what America is meant to stand for. Is the country perfect? Nope, not really. Is it a great country to live in? Absolutely, and there are a vast number of reasons to believe so, no matter how many people might want to poke holes in those ideas. America isn’t a perfect nation, and in fact, no nation on this earth is perfect, no matter what people might want to claim. But the issue isn’t whether or not it’s without flaws, it’s whether or not you can find the good in the country you decide to call home. Pride in your country isn’t necessary, but it’s something that will bring people together for a greater ideal that is meant to create a bond that will last through almost anything. Concentrating on flaws both past and present is a sure way to keep people divided, but finding ways to fix said flaws, live with them, and to find ways to learn from the past is a great way to show people that we are not bound by our past, and are making a better future with every action we take.
America is our home, and like anyone’s home, there’s a lot of upkeep to be done, there are areas that can be improved, and past hurts and iniquities that shouldn’t be forgotten, but should be remedied as we move forward. This 4th of July, you don’t need to be a patriot to enjoy the holiday and the parties that are to come. All you need to do is be you, and possibly be thankful that we live in one of the nations that enjoys a great deal of freedoms that have been fought for and defended over the centuries. Those who would laugh at this idea and claim that they’re illusions, so be it. But those of us that enjoy these freedoms and don’t take them for granted will be out celebrating the fact that we can laugh, love, and fully enjoy the 4th of July and even say thank you to those who sought to create a country that isn’t perfect, but is our home. This 4th of July, give thanks that we, all of us within this nation, have the chance to say thanks in our own way that this great country was founded. And of course, take care in your celebrations and enjoy your many freedoms that many before you sought preserve.
Celebrate the 4th of July in your own way.
There is no set way to celebrate this holiday after all, as you can grab your fireworks, your flags, your party hats and your food and head out for a barbeque or just stay home and enjoy the holiday. One thing I wouldn’t recommend is burning the flag on this day in front of anyone that happens to love this country. Granted, you have that freedom of expression since at the end of the day our flag is more of an idea than anything else, and burning a piece of cloth with America’s colors on it isn’t the end of the world, or even the country. But this is a great day to show some love for our country, and to do so with our flags waving proudly.
The 4th of July is a great time to come together.
Remember the lyric, “This land is your land, this land is my land”? There are a lot of people out there who are likely going to inject as much venom into their refusal of this idea as they can. The truth written in the history of the USA isn’t always pretty, but we’re not our ancestors, and we do value this country, right? That makes it possible to come together as all races, all colors, and all religions (hopefully) can enjoy this day if they happen to love this country. And believe it or not, there are a lot of people out there who love the USA for what it’s given them and aren’t buying into the media hype that some folks pump out when it comes to dividing us. Standing united in an imperfect nation and claiming that we love our home is one of the best ways to show our appreciation. So party on with whoever you’re comfortable with, as is your right as a human being.
A lot of people love the 4th of July for the chance to decorate.
You know, it’s true that our country has three basic colors, and some would say that white isn’t even a color, that it’s an absence of color. But the truth of it is that there are a lot of different ways to display the colors of our flag, and a lot of people enjoy the challenge. In some cases, it can be kind of a dizzying experience since that’s a lot of red, white, and blue being thrown around. But at the same time, it’s kind of fun to see what people can come up with and what their creative attempts can deliver. Some folks leave no doubt that they love their country, and believe it or not, showing this in food and party favor form is one of the most entertaining when it comes to this particular holiday.
Family and friends are an important part of the 4th of July.
True, you can spend this holiday alone, or at work, or doing any number of things. Obviously, some folks have to work on this day since otherwise the country might stop running and create a catastrophe. But that same pride can be held anywhere you’re at, and the fact is that spending this day with family and friends is one of the best ways to go about it since getting out, partying, enjoying good food and better company is a great idea and helps to create even better memories, as sharing days like this is what helps to make our country great.
The 4th of July is for everyone who wants to celebrate.
This country is for those who want to enjoy it, nurture it, and in turn be taken care of by it. Teaching our kids the good and the bad things that have been done to create this country is important since it creates free-thinking individuals, which is one thing that this country was meant to do when it was created. Many will argue that point, that free-thinking isn’t a goal of the USA, but the truth is that without freedom of thought, expression, and the ability to live the lives that we want, our country wouldn’t be as great as it is is now. The 4th of July is technically just another day when we get to teach our children the joys of this country, while also teaching the pitfalls that come with every happy moment. The 4th is for enjoying, learning, and for recalling just why we love our country no matter what happens.
The 4th of July is about unity.
We live in the same country for better or worse, and that means that one way or another, we have to find a way to get along, or it doesn’t work. The USA has stood for this long thanks to the fact that we can change, we can evolve, and we can learn to work with everyone and see the value that every last person brings to this nation. Some people see it as a day off, a day to party, and a day to simply kick back and relax, and that’s okay. It’s the freedom we enjoy in this country that makes this holiday worth noting, and it’s the reason that a lot of us will say thank you.
It’s the 4th of July, one of the many days that we can be proud to be Americans.
Out of all the days in the year, this is one of those that has been deemed as special since it’s when we realize that despite all of our differences, we belong to the same country. This is our home, our place of safety, and the place that we’ll defend because we belong to it just as it belongs to us. On the 4th of July, our hope here at Radass is that people will look at our flag, look at their neighbors, and realize that if we’re all Americans, then it’s a day to remind ourselves why it’s important to stand as Americans, no matter what else might separate us. Keep that one similarity in mind on this day, and you might find even more things that you share with your fellow Americans.
WTR? (Why’s That Radass?)
We’re not perfect, our country’s not perfect, and it’s important we realize that. But after this fact has sunk in, realize that we’re all Americans, and the 4th of July is one of the many days to take pride in it. Happy 4th of July everyone, stay safe and stay proud.
