As the 4th of July nears, I thought I would take a few moments to reflect on what this day means to me.
I’ll admit that my first thought is “Long Weekend,” since the holiday happens to fall on a Friday this year. Sleeping in, eating barbecue, and watching fireworks are the first images that come to my mind.
However, my mind quickly (and guiltily) shifts away from these traditions to the reasons behind the celebrations. Perhaps this is because I just graduated from college, where I spent the last two years immersed in history classes.
On second thought, I think that my awareness of the true meaning of Independence Day has come slowly over the the years through a series of events in my life.
Although I was born in Canada, I have spent nearly all of my life in the United States, so I feel like America’s history is a part of my heritage as well.
I became a naturalized citizen on April 29, 1997. I was sworn in when I lived in Miami — a hodgepodge of cultures. During my ceremony, the name of each country represented by at least one new citizen was read out. We stood up when we heard our country’s name. It was an incredible sight to behold, for the list was quite long.
I was given a packet before I left. It contained my Certificate of Naturalization along with a letter from the President (in my case, it was Bill Clinton). The first two paragraphs of the letter speak volumes to what my heart cannot adequately express:
“Dear Fellow American:
…As you enjoy the benefits of American citizenship and assume the responsibilities that accompany it, you follow the many brave men and women who have sacrificed to establish and preserve our democracy over the last two centures.
You now share in a great experiment: a nation dedicated to the ideal that all of us are created equal, a nation with profound respect for individual rights. The United States is a land of unparalleled natural beauty, vast opportunity, and freedom. It is home to people who have been drawn to our shores from all over the world and who share a common love for life and liberty…”
I’ll never forget the first time I voted after becoming a naturalized citizen. I was nervous and excited. Mostly, I was proud. I was proud that I could finally have a say in the way things were being run. I took my children with me, as I continue to do. I never want them to take this right for granted because I know what it’s like to not have the privilege.
A couple of years ago, my family traveled to Arkansas for a soccer tournament. On the way, we stopped in Vicksburg, Mississippi. This was the site of a long siege and fierce fighting during the Civil War because of its strategic location on the Mississippi River. We visited a graveyard with the tombstones of many who fought there. What a poignant reminder of the lives lost during the battle to preserve this country.
It reminded me of my visit, as a teenager, to Arlington Cemetery. My mom, sister, and I attended a changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Although I was a teen, prone to a disrespectful attitude common among that age group, I knew my place. This was a rite of tribute and honor. It was beautiful to behold the care given to those fallen in the line of duty.
Perhaps the event that most made me aware of what it means to be an American (and thus truly “get” the meaning of the 4th of July) was September 11th. This was probably the event that tied us together in such a way as had not been seen for several generations. I think that this day showed me how quickly things can be taken away. The security I had always relied on was shattered, for a time. I cannot imagine living in a country where people face this fear every single day.
So, what does the 4th of July mean to me?
Bravery. Those first settlers who left their homelands for a world unknown…seeking freedom from the tyranny that surrounded them — surely that took a lot of bravado.
Perseverance. Those first decades were devastating for the newest citizens of this land, yet many stuck it out, refusing to give in to the elements or others who tried to thwart their plans for a better life.
Determination. The patriots dared to take on England…the giant of the day…to not allow the rights of those living in this country to be trod upon unjustly.
Sacrifice. The many men (and even women…I know this from my studies) who laid down their lives fighting for a seemingly lost cause. I am awed by this. I picture the first shots that rang out at Lexington and Concord. I cannot even begin to imagine the fear and uncertainty that must have plagued each person as life was disrupted. Nobody at that time could have predicted the ending.
Wisdom and vision. The great care our Founding Fathers took in creating the government, which was so unlike any other that existed during that time. George Washington could have become another king, yet he showed great restraint in not allowing the power to go to his head. He was one of many wise leaders.
Throughout the years, many events could have torn this country apart, but Americans banded together and somehow found a way to prevent this country from dissolving into a chaos that it could not recover from.
What is even more amazing to me is that this country is filled with people who willingly serve in the armed forces…determined to protect our country and help other countries facing tyranny. I realize that our ideal of democracy may not work in other countries due to years of their own particular struggles. However, the recognition that we have so many freedoms that others do not have…and the willingness to help put those countries on the same path…well, it just boggles my mind.
Thus, because others much more brave chose to serve:
I am humbled. I am grateful. I am proud. I am free.
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: 4th of July, freedom, Independence Day | 3 Comments »
AuburnChick's Adventures 