Be honest, what does July 4th mean to you?

Question

I saw a program on tv last night saying America is divided and becoming more divided. I hear of many people going on picnics and watching fireworks, but I have heard very little on the deeper meaning to the individual that July 4th means. Is it just a long weekend to you, or do you feel a deeper more meaningful connection? Do you think the way you look at July 4th is part of the problem with Americas current political and philisophical divide amongst its citizens?

For Blew 4U... In the state of New York (and this is all I am sure of) students study American History in 7th and 8th Grade, and then again in High School. I know the 7th and 8th grade covers the full span of American History as I have taught it. How much the students retain, and how important they think it is are two different things.

Answer 1

EATING BAR-B-QUE AND SEEING FIREWORKS, HELL AND A LONG A$$ WEEKEND!!!! AMERICAN HISTORY IS A BUNCH OF ******** LIES!!!!

Answer 2

I feel like I have an affinity for the 4th of July so to me it has a deep connection. To me, the 4th of July is a special holiday filled with fun and excitement. Mainly because I'm still a kid at heart but I love the sensations that it brings between relaxing in the grass on a warm day with friends, family and strangers all there to have a good time as we talk and eat delicious barbecued foods and salads. The bonding of whether you see fireworks at a public gathering or in private in your backyard (if its legal in your state - though most people do it anyways) makes it special and fun. Then my personally favorite part, the fireworks themselves, seeing the brilliant, colorful and breath taking explosions in the sky are really fun and impressive. The loud thunderous booms and whistling sounds as they launch into the air add to the atmosphere.

Ultimately, its how all these experiences combine that make it a truly great holiday. Togetherness, warm weather, wonderful summer foods and the sights and sounds of the fireworks that send a wonderful rush and heart warming feeling that leaves you going home happy, content and excited.

To answer the second question, I think my views on the holiday have no effect on and have no relevance towards America's political and / or philisophical divide as the divide in my opinion is primarily about how this nation is ran and the current war. When there's war or your country is ran by a war driven leader, there's bound to be a great divide. The 4th of July is a day meant to celebrate our nation and all we have but most importantly, to have fun, bond and form unities together under a sky lit with fireworks that remind us what a great country we live in, even (in my case) if we don't like who's currently running it and / or the choices they make.

Answer 3

Thank you for my specific response. I must tell you that I am the proud owner of a 1984 New York State Regents High School Diploma. If my memory still serves me correctly, I could swear we learned the basic importance of Independence day, the Declaration of Independence, and the importance of the birth of this Great Nation prior to entering junior high.

Maybe all things have not changed for the better.
I could be wrong.

Happy Two Hundred and Thirty Years of Freedom, this Great Nation, The United States of America. Thank you to those who gave so much to create this land of hope that we are so proud of.

I pray that the year never comes when we all forget what the fireworks are supposed to be for.

However, some of these responses make me fear that year is soon approaching.


Here is a question that I hope helps answer yours;

When do American students learn about American history and how much time is spent on it?

Answer 4

I watched most of the same program. What amazed me was how they show that individuals who only agreed slightly with an issue, could be swayed to agree with the general concensus so easily. Except for the one woman who stood her ground. Good for her. People need to stand up for what they personnally believe in and not let others change what they think. As far as what July 4th means to most Americans? Don't think it means what it used to. However, you would think with what's going on in the Middle East, it would mean more to Americans. What gets me the most is all the people in America who bash America. It's still one of the best places to live. Instead of bashing, why not actually try to help things change.

Answer 5

As I watch The 4th of July Parade here in my hometown and I see the Veterans dressed up as all the Soldiers we ever had in every war we fought march by I am just happy and glad that I am still here and free to remember those who gave thier life so that I can still be here. I still find it hard to believe that we will be only 230 years old as a Country and went throught all we have and still survived and I am damn Proud of it! It also makes me worry that our problems are back home and the government does worry more about what is happening in other parts of the World! I just hope we celebrate it the rest of my life and forever after that.

Answer 6

July 4th is a time to celebrate tht we are still on ecountry, even though I feel the country will not be together for too many more years (10-12 maybe).

Answer 7

I decided a long time ago to make it my own personal independence day and celebrate my life and my accomplishments. This does not mean I am not patriotic or agree with the current political situation. This is a wonderful place to live and I believe in our founder's basic tenents of democracy.

Answer 8

Most Americans don't know our national anthem and many couldn't pass the citizenship test. America= freedom to be ignorant. Ignorance = bliss, so less all be blissful Americans!

Answer 9

i went to kindergarden to 4th grade in massachusetts. they're serious about the revoulutionary war. i kind think of the history part. but i like the fireworks the best.

Answer 10

with this much love of country the end is near...how sad that all people think about is eating and having a day off. Check out the rest of the planet, and ask your self where would you rather be (live)..uh-huh~ thought so.

Answer 11

it's our way of celebrating escape from imperialism AND announcing to the world how great it is to be an imperialist nation with one grand fireworks show.