Fourth of July
If you were born in the U.S.A. (apologies to Bruce Springsteen), you have memories of July 4th. My favorite memories are mainly from my youth when we would celebrate the nation’s birthday and my grandfather’s birthday (July 4, 1888) with our family reunion. Aunts, uncles, cousins; it was a well-attended event and we would have a softball game or two if the weather cooperated. Many of my relatives were farmers and July 4th was a date that generally didn’t conflict with planting or harvesting a crop. A senior family member or the local pastor would say a prayer before the buffet-style lunch was available. I can’t remember an opening prayer where it wasn’t stated that we were thankful.
My opinion is that July 4th holiday activities have not changed that much for Americans. There are picnics, parades, fireworks demonstrations, and more. My family reunion is now held the weekend before July 4th so that our larger family can avoid traveling on one of the heaviest travel weeks of the summer. We usually celebrate the fourth with friends, and it’s almost always at a picnic with fireworks later in the evening.
How thankful are we today for the many freedoms that we take for granted. On a daily basis, we receive broadcasts of wars, natural disasters, politics, scandals, layoffs, etc. My grandfather and his siblings lived through many wars (Spanish-American, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War), a great depression, and many great technological innovations (automobile, electricity, airplanes, man on the moon, atomic energy and weaponry). Despite the ups and downs, they were always grateful for what they had achieved and received. I suggest that we consider the freedoms that our ancestors and subsequent generations of Americans have fought for, and whenever possible, especially on July 4th, thank those Americans who protect our freedoms today.
Happy Fourth of July!
Tags: Fourth of July
July 7th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Wally:
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. The July 4ths in my past were identical. I can still feel the love (and the heat!) and taste the food from the potluck that day. Even though I am no longer able to go “home” for the holiday, I remember the familial connections and the feelings of safety and protection from the group gathered together.
Yes, there were things going on around the world but I (and most of my relatives) felt insulated from these at our gathering in Olson, Michigan. If pressed, we could speak about wars and other issues (yes, we even discussed politics!), but we were well protected from those issues in our rural corner of the world.
I look on that time with fondness, but realizing now everything which had been done to protect my freedom (and ability to enjoy that day.) Even though I didn’t say it at the time (and probably don’t say it enough now) I thank God for the people who continue to live and die for me so I can embrace whatever comes my way. Maybe I’ll get back home for another July 4 potluck….