4th Musings
So, standing on my deck, listening to the fireworks explode overhead while the mosquitoes buzz around, I start to wonder if anyone even really remembers why we celebrate this day. Do people even realize that it's more than buying fireworks and launching them? (and how can you not buy air-launch fireworks in Colorado, but you can actually launch them? That just doesn't make sense to me.)
The United States of America celebrates the 4th of July because it was the official day we declared our independence from the British. That day was celebrated because we could finally do something about our lives, and we were finally in control of ourselves. People love the feeling of independence from others, and the young new country was no different. We were finally free to rule as we wished, where people could make their own decisions about how they would live. No more foreign adversaries were hovering over our every move, and that feeling of freedom is exhilarating. Does anyone think, as they watch the residual smoke light up from following fireworks, of those people that gave their lives for our freedom? Does anyone think of the families that heard the canons and gunshots, and saw the residual smoke flash as their loved ones died a few miles away? Does anyone think further than "wow, that was pretty!" ????
I just wish people would think about that during the day. Most people just think of picnics, flags, hot dogs, hamburgers, and fireworks. I like to think about the feeling of having control over my own life, and what people thought of when they heard the canons and watched the smoke light up from the guns firing as they fought for what we have now.
Every 4th of July, I try to think of these things, and remember that the path to this life was a hard one, of wins and losses, new life and death. I try to watch "The Patriot" (or at least think of it) every year because it helps me to remember that the times were tough, and people had different worries then. Hearing loud bangs and watching the sky glow was a sign of terror and warfare, not celebration and excitement.
...talk about bringing history alive.
The United States of America celebrates the 4th of July because it was the official day we declared our independence from the British. That day was celebrated because we could finally do something about our lives, and we were finally in control of ourselves. People love the feeling of independence from others, and the young new country was no different. We were finally free to rule as we wished, where people could make their own decisions about how they would live. No more foreign adversaries were hovering over our every move, and that feeling of freedom is exhilarating. Does anyone think, as they watch the residual smoke light up from following fireworks, of those people that gave their lives for our freedom? Does anyone think of the families that heard the canons and gunshots, and saw the residual smoke flash as their loved ones died a few miles away? Does anyone think further than "wow, that was pretty!" ????
I just wish people would think about that during the day. Most people just think of picnics, flags, hot dogs, hamburgers, and fireworks. I like to think about the feeling of having control over my own life, and what people thought of when they heard the canons and watched the smoke light up from the guns firing as they fought for what we have now.
Every 4th of July, I try to think of these things, and remember that the path to this life was a hard one, of wins and losses, new life and death. I try to watch "The Patriot" (or at least think of it) every year because it helps me to remember that the times were tough, and people had different worries then. Hearing loud bangs and watching the sky glow was a sign of terror and warfare, not celebration and excitement.
...talk about bringing history alive.