How do you celebrate the 4th of July? Like many Americans you will possibly attend a parade, plan a barbeque, go to your lake home, go boating or fishing...and attend a fireworks. Why is this holiday so important that many businesses close, that families and friends make a point to gather, and that the parades have a patriotic theme? The reason American's are celebrating their country's 233rd Birthday!
On July 24, 1776, the United States claimed their independence from Great Britain. Since then many thousands and thousands of people have left their homelands and have made the trip to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" with plans to become American citizens. These people have come to America from many different countries, are of different races and speak a different language.
Thomas Jefferson was asked to prepare a document that stated America's decision to govern themselves. After many drafts, Mr. Jefferson presented his final draft to Congress. A period of careful review and discussion resulted in Congress voting to accept and adopt the document as America's Declaration of Independence. Some people refer to the 4th of July as the "birth of Democracy; others refer to the 4th of July as "Independence Day".
It would be good idea for all Americans to re-read the Declaration of Independence to remind ourselves of what is important to our leaders and all citizens of our country. America's early leaders knew that America was ready to become independent of Great Britain and ready to govern ourselves.
In the 1800's, Mr. Samuel F. Smith wrote these words for a song that became one of our National Anthems. As you read the words of this song, note how many times the words "freedom" and "liberty" are used as well as the listing of the many things Americans love.
My Country, 'Tis of Thee
My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrim's pride, From every mountainside
Let freedom ring.
My native country thee, Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills Like that above.
Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees
Sweet freedom's song;
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong.
Our father's God to thee, Author of liberty,
To thee we sing;
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light,
Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!
|
  |
