Honoring more than the Military on Independence Day
Several years ago, I wrote this for Memorial Day. In it I discussed how as of late, many Americans tend to treat every patriotic themed holiday as an ongoing celebration of our military – a type of political correctness that no one would question or find offensive. Of course there is nothing wrong with that – especially for the holidays intended to honor those serving and those who have served:
Armed Forces Day – a day to celebrate our currently serving military
Memorial Day – a day of remembrance for those who have died while serving
Veterans Day – the day we honor those who have served
As a retired naval officer, each of those holidays holds a special place of reverence in my heart. I am quite privileged to be included in this sacred fraternity.
Today, however, we will be celebrating Independence Day. Unlike the patriotic holidays above, it was not intended to only celebrate, thank or honor the military – a common justification among the many who salute our military during this time of year. Actually, Independence Day’s patriotic theme was meant to observe the birth of our nation – a celebration of and for the United States.
We should be reflecting on the birth and subsequent growth of our nation. To be sure, part of our history includes the many wars we have fought and the sacrifices those in uniform have paid in defense of the country. But isn’t our story so much more than just that? Isn’t our growth from 13 colonies to 50 states a result of what we as a nation of people have accomplished? We should not just reflect on the wars that we have fought (or continue to fight), but also commemorate our entire history. With that in mind, I believe that on Independence Day we should celebrate each other – all Americans – whether they served in the military or not.
As you prepare to celebrate this 4th of July, let me highlight some examples of Americans I believe should be celebrated, honored, and/or thanked. They include the ones who have contributed to building our nation and continue to do so today. They are the countless Americans who have sacrificed in their own way to ensure freedom and liberty is enjoyed by us all. This is not an exhaustive list – I am sure there are many others who could be added. You can agree with me or not, but I’d like to think that this list should cause everyone to take pause as you consider what or more importantly who has made this country the great nation it is.
The American Worker
They work in shipyards, airplane plants and in thousands of other companies who build the ships, planes, tanks and other equipment our armed forces need to do their job. These are the workers who work in the large corporations and the small businesses throughout the country, providing the skills and labor that make up the economic engine that has helped build our nation. These are the people who build our homes and manufacture the many things that are still made in the USA. They are members of our families, our neighbors, and our friends. They have all played an important role in our country and they should be celebrated too as we celebrate the nation’s birthday.
Educators
There are countless examples as to why our Nation’s teachers are important and deserve our praise. Such as, without an informed and educated society we cannot continue to be free or prosperous. Yet ask yourself this – how did you learn of Independence Day or about its significance? It was probably due to a history or social studies teacher teaching it to you. Likewise, your understanding of our government structure and democratic process was most likely due to your high school civics teacher. What’s more, it is because of our teachers that we all possess the tools and knowledge to become better-informed citizens. Ultimately, it is through our nation’s educational systems that we can continue this great American Story and we should not only celebrate our teachers during Independence Day, but also honor them as well.
The Civil Service
Police and firemen come to mind first, especially in the shadow of 9/11. Without a doubt, these local heroes should be honored. They tirelessly work every day in our neighborhoods to ensure our safety – risking their lives in our own communities. Yet there are so many others too. They work in the background at the local level as well in our state and national government. They all need to be thanked – regardless of whether they wear a uniform and risk their life or whether they wear civilian clothes and help keep the government working.
Protesters
YES! Protesters are a fine example of American Freedom at its best. That may sound odd, but remember the United States and the fight for its independence was started as an act of protest. Our founding fathers were all protesters – writing, speaking and demonstrating against the injustices of the time. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the theme of a protest, the fact that people can speak their mind without fear of governmental retribution is one of our greatest freedoms. With that in mind we should celebrate those who have the courage to stand up for their convictions and freely speak their mind. When you think about it, some of the greatest advances in our countries freedoms and civil liberties began as a protest, starting with the Bill of Rights.
Immigrants
The United States is a country of immigrants from before its founding and continuing into the 21st century. Despite the current political maelstrom over immigration, our country will only continue to thrive with our welcoming and naturalizing of immigrants. History has proven that our country has only benefited from new citizens. They have started new business from which new jobs were created , they have contributed to our GDP with increased productivity, and they have added to our great melting pot of cultural diversity. Throughout the country, many new citizens will take their oath on July 4th - proudly joining among the ranks of all of us who have our immigrant story. We should not only welcome that as new Americans we should also thank them for wanting to be part of our collective story.
Elected Officials
I’ll stop short of using the term politicians, but consider the countless men and women who have sought the thankless job of elected office. Their reasons for doing so may be numerous. Yet, I like to think that many believe in the governing principles of our nation and want to do their part to continue our ongoing experiment in democracy. The best place to probably see this is at the local level where fellow neighbors offer their talents in service to their communities. Granted that in today’s polarized and partisan environment, it’s hard to see any positive outcomes from many of today’s elected officials. Nonetheless, we should thank them for taking on something that many of us would never do.
Business Owners
Our nation is an entrepreneurial one. From its early days, the local businesses were the ones who help provide the jobs in our communities and created the wealth that has made our country prosperous. To be sure, in the day and age of large corporations and stories of corporate greed, it’s hard to think that business owners deserve celebration. Consider, however, your own community. How many business owners do you know? How does their business provide for the economic well being of your city, county, or even the state? Like elected officials, they chose to take a risk that others will not. As a result, their efforts generally benefit many, and for this they deserve our thanks.
Ministers, Priests, Rabbi, Imans, and countless other religious leaders
They lead our nation of faithful in the practice of their freely chosen religion. They do this without the state telling them what or how to minister to their faithful. Their calling is to serve their God and their congregations. But I would argue that several also feel called to serve their nation by helping ensure that our country continues to enjoy its freedom of religion – whatever that religion may be even it is not the same as the one they practice.
Men and Women serving in the Military
It goes without saying that members of our Armed Forces deserve to be honored as we reflect upon our nation’s fight for independence and freedom. Their sacrifice is something that should never be taken for granted.
All Americans
As you reflect upon this Independence Day, by all means celebrate and honor our men & women in the armed forces – they do deserve it. But please do not stop there. Consider all Americans and raise a toast to the countless others who should also be honored, thanked and celebrate because of their efforts in making our nation great.