The meaning of American holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day often get lost in the recreational barbecues, campouts, hikes and roadtrips that Americans have attached to these always-on-Monday, arbitrary holidays.
Not so with Fourth of July, formally known as Independence Day. The Fourth of July is always on July 4, whether its a Monday or not. (This year, it happens to fall on Monday, creating the three-day summer weekend.) The Fourth of Julys traditional activities parades, patriotic music and, of course, fireworks remind us of our nations birth 235 years ago when the forefathers declared independence from Britain, and created the greatest and most coveted nation on earth. It is a day when most Americans feel patriotic.
That feeling should be intensified this Fourth of July. Our country is fighting three wars, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya or is it one war against radical Islam, fought in three theaters?
Either way, the fact is that while were in the backyard enjoying hamburgers, hotdogs and watermelon, playing badminton and oohing and aahing at fireworks, American men and women are risking their lives in service to our country.
Also this year, Americans are coming up on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Remember the groundswell of patriotism that arose after our country was attacked that sunny morning in September, 2001? Those feelings of American pride are sure to return as America relives that national trauma.
In the meantime, on Monday, its time to celebrate America. Remember the red, white and blue!
Copyright © 2011 by the Intermountain Jewish News
