INDEPENDENCE DAY – FREEDOM FOR US AMERICANS

What is the fourth of July? And why do we celebrate? Of course, the obvious answer is that it is the day that the United States gained its independence from England. But sometimes the meaning of the day gets lost in the fireworks and celebrations.

To a lot of us, the 4^th of July means barbecue, a day off from work, planning a trip to see family or friends, or making a beautiful dessert to wow your followers on social media. But how much are you thinking about the true meaning of Independence Day when you are celebrating with family and friends?

As an immigrant from Russia, I had never heard about the 4^th of July and its significance for Americans, but I did learn rather quicky when we immigrated. The full meaning of the holiday didn’t click until I had to start studying for my citizenship when I was 23, seven years after we immigrated.

 I learned that in 1776, America declared its independence from Great Britain. There were 13 Colonies established by Brits, and the first Colony was settled in Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. By 1775, an estimated 2.5 million settlers lived in 13 colonies. Fascinating right? But I won’t bore you with a history lesson—you know how to Google!

What you can’t Google is the experiences of real people and what the holiday means to them. I decided to interview three people in different generations: a Gen Z’er, Millenial, and a Baby Boomer, just to get a perspective from various ages. 

I asked three very simple questions:

1. What is 4^th of July? 

2. How did you celebrate growing up? 

3. What do you want the next generation to know about this holiday?

4. 
   

Interestingly enough, and as expected, every generation answered differently and that is what makes us all unique in a wonderful way. 

“When you are in your 20’s, to be honest, I know it’s an Independence Day, but I think that is all I know. Growing up, it was more than about a day off for my family, food, and fireworks. I know we learned about the holiday in school, but unfortunately, I can’t recall much.  For the next generation it’s hard to say just because I’m too young to even give some advice, but I know for my friends, right now, it’s all about a day off.” – Gen Z

For the millennial, “It’s an Independence Day from Great Britain, and as an American, I’m proud. Growing up, it was all about a fun BBQ with neighbors, family, and playing games. As a parent, I make sure my children understand, 4^th of July is not just about a BBQ, it carries a historical significance and most importantly freedom.” –Millenial 

“As an American in my 60’s, I want everyone to understand and realize that we live in the great country and recognize how lucky and blessed we are to be living in a free society. 1776, that is when we got our freedom from Great Britain. Growing up most importantly was to have a cookout, gather the whole family, dad was off work, which was a treat already; eat outside, make jokes and make fun of each other. For the next generation, I only have one wish: make sure we keep this great country safe and have a free society for ever. Be part of civic groups, be willing to help others, be involved in a community.”—Baby Boomer.

Though everyone has varying degrees of knowledge of our country’s history, it seems as though age and experience bring about a greater understanding of the true meaning of the holiday. Life is a great teacher when it comes to learning to appreciate the freedom that we have and the struggle and sacrifice it took to obtain it. 

And to add my two cents, FREEDOM IS PRICELESS. 

Without FREEDOM, we would be subject to governmental control, which I am quite familiar with due to my upbringing.

Wishing all my readers the most glorious 4^th of July. Be Safe! 

La Dolce Vita! Happy Summertime!! Enjoy life to the fullest!!!  

Until next month!