Why the Fourth of July Matters

The Fourth of July should be a reaffirmation and a reminder to all of us that this country is worth fighting for 
by Donna Teresa

For Americans, the Fourth of July is celebrated to commemorate our nation’s independence from Great Britain. Across the nation, we gather for parades, barbeques, and concerts with friends and family to celebrate this great day.

This Fourth of July, America is a nation experiencing an unpopular war, economic difficulties, devastating floods, fires and other natural disasters, divisive politics etc. We have been tasked with uncertain thoughts about the direction our country is headed, and our own personal futures. Cynical thoughts would be the easiest choice to follow during these difficult times. When those thoughts cross my mind, I immediately think about Francis Scott Key and his inspiration to write the Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem.

How did this simple piece of fabric become a reminder to all of us that our country does matter in good times and during times that are difficult?

The flag has been our strength in times of sorrow and tragedy and it has been our constant friend with joy and pride. It has never abandoned us, even though we have not always been kind to it in our frustration and anger. Old Glory has been burned, trampled, shredded, and turned upside down in rage and yet it forgives us when it is met with destruction and hate. The flag understands the anger of the people, especially when many feel their voices are not heard. It has followed our troops in war and covered the coffins of our fallen when their battle is no more…

The flag has given comfort to families who have lost their loved ones to war. As quoted by Francis Scott Key, "Then, in that hour of deliverance, my heart spoke. Does not such a country, and such defenders of their country, deserve a song?" Key was moved to write such words for love of his country, flag and fellow man. I have hope that America will once again find that profound love for their country once again.

Perhaps the Fourth of July should be a reaffirmation and a reminder to all of us that this country is worth fighting for. Maybe one day we will truly see a united people, for we are the United States of America. Let us never fail the flag as it has never failed us and let us work hard to make this country a better place for those living and for those who will come after us.

July Fourth has a special place in my heart, because throughout our nation’s history, men, women and children have fought and many have given their lives for the freedoms we have, for love of their country and each other. I’d like to dedicate the words of the Star Spangled Banner to our armed forces serving all over the world, and to all our nation’s veterans. Words that mean so much, but forgotten from time to time:

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
what so proudly we hailed, at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars,
thru the perilous fight,
o’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare,
the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave,
o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And to Francis Scott Key wherever you are, thank you for writing an anthem that has stood the test of time and a reminder to us all that patriotism is not owned by one person or a political party, or something you can buy. It is something that is earned and we all have to keep earning through an entire lifetime. Take a moment and give thanks to those who have made it possible for us to be free. Freedom comes with a price. Appreciate it.

Does the Fourth of July matter? Absolutely. Happy Fourth of July America.

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