Summer is here. Summer is marked as the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The 4th of July is the national holiday that falls in the middle of summer. It is a time when the hectic pace of life typically slows down, and we get a chance to rest and renew our bodies, mind and spirits.
The first week of July is the time when many people will be celebrating Independence Day in a variety of ways. Some people will travel to see loved ones, and others will just stay home with family and friends. Some people will enjoy backyard cookouts, while others will spend time at the lake. As night falls, some people will shoot fireworks, while others will enjoy the festivities by watching the spectacular display of fireworks light up the night sky.
We celebrate this holiday because of what happened in 1776 when 56 representatives from 13 colonies met in congress and declared that they no longer would be subjects of England, and no longer did people need to answer the king. Thus, the Declaration of Independence was drafted, the document out of which the Bill of Rights and the Constitution grew.
As the summer sun shines brightly in the CSRA, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. Fireworks, barbecues and parades become the focal point all across the US. The 4th of July, a day when Americans come together to celebrate the birth of the nation and its citizens’ independence. Beyond the festivities and patriotic displays, the significance of this day runs deep. I invite you to explore with me, the meaning of the 4th of July. Let’s shed light on the values it represents, the opportunities it offers for reflection and gratitude.
The 4th of July marks a significant event in American history. The adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 boldly proclaimed the colonies’ separation from British rule. This action established the United States as a free and sovereign nation. The spirit of independence, liberty and self-determination embodied in the Declaration of Independence continues to resonate with Americans to this day. The day serves as a reminder of the hard-fought struggles and sacrifices made by the founders and countless others in their ongoing pursuit of freedom.
The 4th of July provides an opportunity for Americans to celebrate the cherished freedoms we enjoy. From the freedoms of speech and religion to the right to pursue happiness. The ability to shape our own destinies, these liberties are fundamental to the American identity. It’s a day to honor the principles of democracy, equality and individual rights that underpin the nation’s foundation.
The 4th of July also represents more than just fireworks and picnics. It symbolizes the freedom that is at the core of our nation’s identity. This holiday serves as a touching reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women who have defended and continue to defend our nation’s freedom. From the brave soldiers who fought in the American Revolution to the dedicated members of the armed forces today, their commitment and courage are an inspiration. Please, take a moment on this 4th of July, to express gratitude and support for those who have served and continue to serve.
As people of faith, our celebration should be one of joy, for the privilege of living in this land. Always knowing that our joy and faith in the Divine is greater. Our celebration is one of remembrance for those who gave their lives to secure our freedoms, although as believers, our freedoms, for believers and specifically for Christians, through Jesus’ death are greater.
So as people of faith, it can sometimes be difficult to see anything sacred about the Fourth of July. But I can assure you that people of faith can still celebrate the meaning of Independence Day; after all, it is a day, not of divine revelation, but of political revolution. It memorializes not a sacred text, but a political text. It was ordained not by a church, but by the state. I say that as a person of deep faith; I believe we can celebrate and observe both. The heart of our Nation’s independence gives me the freedom to worship as I do and live as a proud citizen of this nation. I think this applies to everyone, no matter our faith or belief, but it is the Declaration of Independence that makes it possible to live harmoniously in a pluralistic society. Let us never forget that basic truth.
This nation’s founding is based on liberty, responsibility, the Covenants of God and the freedom to become what God intended us to become. The celebration of our nation’s birthday is really a celebration of freedom. We have this freedom because others were willing to give their all. You see, we must remember that freedom isn’t free. Freedom is very expensive. It has cost some people everything, including their lives. No, freedom isn’t free, but it is something worth fighting for. The very founding documents guarantees all of us that right!
So, after 248 years of trying to live into this idea of democracy, we are still striving to be the more perfect union. Working together and with God’s help, we can do it.
Amid the festivities of the holiday, I hope that the 4th of July provides an opportunity for our personal reflection and renewal. Let it be for us a time to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation and the work that still lies ahead. As Americans, we should celebrate with all the activities that have become traditions for the 4th of July. But we should also use this day to examine our values, principles, and actions, striving for a more inclusive and equitable society. It’s a chance to reinforce the commitment to freedom, justice, and equal opportunities for all. Happy Independence Day.
Rev. Bill Alford is a retired priest who served St. Alban’s Episcopal Church for the last 30 years and who has been priest-in-charge of the Church of the Atonement in Hephzibah for the last three years. Originally from Albany, Ga., Rev. Alford is a Navy Veteran who sings with and who is on the Board of Directors for the Augusta Choral Society.
