Celebrating Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

Well, close to it.

We're still two days away from the 4th of July, but in my heart, I'm anticipating the concerts, barbecues, and of course the fireworks that always mark this holiday's celebration.

So at work the other day, I was talking to a woman at another company, in Canada, and she wanted to schedule a conference call for Monday, the 4th. I explained to her that we were off for the holiday, the 4th of July. It took her a minute, then it dawned on her that this was an American holiday (and many of her countrymen would be off July 1st for Canada Day).  But it made me realize that we rarely ever use the term "Independence" Day anymore.  So I asked myself whether or not this term has become irrelevant?  If it has become irrelevant or passe, why is that?

Over the last two years, since we first took the big step to homeschool our children, as a family we have read far more about American history than I ever did in school. It has made me realize how much sacrifice and risk our fore fathers took to establish the foundation that has given us the liberty to do great things and grow as a powerful and free country.  I remember, even as a young girl, feeling a sense of comfort in knowing we had these liberties.  My parents were hard-working people, my dad especially was very humble.  He served his country in the Korean War and always tried to teach us kids the value of a dollar earned, and made it clear to us that we could each make our own way in life, doing what we felt called to do, and be better or worse for the choices we made.  So I have a fondness for independence, individual responsibility, and a deep appreciation for what gave us this incredible foundation we have here.  My grandparents immigrated from Europe in the 1930's and I grew up hearing their stories about coming here and making a great life for themselves, living the American dream.  Even many decades later, they would cry when they would talk about it, so overcome with gratitude they were for the opportunity to live freely here and make their own way to a good life.

So this Independence Day, as I watch the fireworks with my kids and grill yet another hot dog, I hope I can share this celebration of history with my kids and give them a little bit of insight into why I feel this country is great, why it's important for them to take responsibility for themselves, and why it's so important to remember our heritage and our history.

Happy birthday, America, and may God bless us all.