Happy Independence Day!

Posted by Cory Ross on Jul 3rd 2024

(Author’s Note: This is an essay I wrote in 2017. I’ve edited it and updated it to my current style. Suffice it to say, not much has changed since 2017. Our lack of perspective remains and our reliance on social media has increased. Enjoy,)

Today is July 4^th, 2024. It is the day we celebrate the 248^th birthday of the United States of America.

Every family has a relatively common tradition of celebrating today. Cookouts and barbecues are the first that come to mind. Other activities include watching baseball or hot dog eating contests, spending the day at the pool, relaxing on vacation, or watching classic films such as “The Patriot,” “Born on the Fourth of July”, and maybe even “Independence Day” (or in my case, I’ve watched all three). To some, the most American of traditions is to go the range or family farm to shoot and blow sh&t up…. But of course, watching fireworks is the #1 tradition of them all. What is not to love about any of those activities? They are all truly American.

What makes these varying activities and events American is that we as an American people have the right and freedom to participate in them (if they are mostly legal). I believe liberties and the freedoms we possess are what make America great. But I ask you to take a second and add three other activities to your day. These won’t take long but will bring to light some of the true meaning of what the Fourth of July is.

1)Reflect. Whatever you choose to do on this day, someone has given the ultimate sacrifice for you to have that freedom. Remember Freedom is not won and sustained through watching movies or eating hotdogs. It is sustained by the blood and sacrifices of those who have served our nation from the Revolutionary War onward. Families have suffered, children have lost parents, and many have lost friends or family members. Please take a moment to reflect and give respect in earnest to those lost and what their sacrifices represent.

2)Give Thanks. Throughout history, warriors of nations were heralded for their victories and conquests. Roman generals would have grand parades called Triumphs to memorialize their victories and honor the legionnaires who fought. Native American warriors were decorated after each battle to protect their tribes. In 1945 throughout Europe and the United States, millions of people celebrated the end of the Third Reich and the downfall of Hitler. Today, men and women are not greeted by bands or crowds of people. Parades are not thrown in their honor. There is a disconnect between the rest of the nation and the returning soldier. Say “thank you” to our men and women in arms for keeping us safe. Sometimes that effort makes all the difference.

3)Pray. Some of you may be Christians, some may be Muslim, or Buddhist, or maybe you do not believe in anything. But no matter what I ask you to pray. Pray for our nation. Pray for our future and our kid’s future. The world is an ugly place. News headlines show the horror and ugliness in our world. Suddenly, objective criticism is considered hate speech and people who speak up are struck down as bigots. The world is dark. But maybe with prayer, we can bring some light back into it.

Through reflecting, giving thanks, and praying, we as a nation can bring some perspective back to the meaning of Independence. It is a day we should all rejoice in, no matter the walk of life or the hardships presented before us. On the Fourth of July remember we come together as Americans to celebrate. Cast away the lines that tear us apart. Too many friendships have been extinguished because of opinions on gender ideology, political beliefs, and conflicting ideas on religion. The light in which these were introduced into our society has waned to darkness. Social media and the puppet masters of our society have split our nation. When will it end? But there is hope. My beliefs instill hope—reflect, give thanks, and pray.

God Bless,

Cory