7/3/13

Celebrating Independence and NOT the 4th of July

Well here we are again with the typical, non-thoughtful, monotonous "holiday" greetings . . . 

"Happy and safe 4th to you!"

"Happy 4th of July!"

"Come to our Annual 4th of July parade."

Why has this simple, typical greeting irritated me to the point of posting a fanatical diatribe? 

When we begin to identify a holiday by the date that the event happened, we are at risk of loosing the significance and demean the importance of that holiday or day of observance.
(P.S. The Founding Fathers DID NOT sign the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July, nor was there ANY SCENE like that depicted below . . . But that is for another day.)

I submit that yes, dates are important in reference to the historical significance of a holiday or event.  However, the date, day and year do not solely define the historic event that is being celebrated, or observed.  History is more than dates to be memorized long enough to spout back out on testing day.

The 4th of July, 1776
September 11th, 2001
December 7th, 1941

These are all days to observe with dignity, reverence and respect. 
Naming these days of observance by the day that they happened demeans the greater meaning and significance that these moments in history exemplify.  Let us not fall into the monotony of proclaiming unintentionally, "Well, it was just something that happened."
PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com CC

Taking the moment to proclaim "Independence Day", "Patriot's Day", or "Pearl Harbor Day", denotes that I have taken the time to reflect and meditate on of this day, and learned the lesson it has to tell.  I have taken the time to make an emotional connection with the people who lived through those moments, and given remembrance to those who did not survive.  I have given pause enough to learn and show respect for those founders who shaped and formed their times.

These moments in time are worth gaining an intimacy with people, real people, that stretches across decades and centuries.

This is a rare glimpse of history, not just as simple knowledge acquisition, but a connection and grasping to the individuals that made history what it is.

The challenge. 
Proclaim with American-made pride.
Independence Day
Patriot's Day
Pearl Harbor Day

It is a choice. A choice to proclaim, "We still have much to learn and gain from the sacrifice you gave." 

We choose to give reverence and respect to those who chose to set themselves apart, and stand for the cause of liberty against the evil of tyranny. Taxation without representation.

ORIGINAL PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com CC

 There is hope still for our country, made evidence by those who have sealed it, throughout time, with their noble deeds and their own life's blood.

Happy Independence Day!
Joyfully Learning with You,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

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Here are a few more posts you may enjoy:
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: The Mystery of History by Bright Ideas Press - The best chronological, classically based world history, with a biblical worldview!  
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