March 28, 2024

“The Fourth”

Posted on July 1, 2013 by in EdNote

This month holds a special place in the history of our country, the fourth of July. It’s such an obvious standout we even abbreviate it, referring to it simply as “The Fourth.”

This is a uniquely U.S. holiday. Unlike some we share with other countries and cultures – Christmas and New Year’s, for example – The Fourth is ours alone. There are equivalent celebrations in other countries, with the attendant pomp and ritual and public displays, but The Fourth belongs to us. (Interestingly, July also brings the anniversary of another momentous change in our country’s history, ironically, also on The Fourth. That day in 1863 General Robert E. Lee’s army retreated from Gettysburg, removing any doubt that the United States would remain united.)

Much of The Fourth revolves around dazzling displays of fireworks, bunting, parades, music and food. It’s good we celebrate our Declaration of Independence this way, but we also, perhaps unknowingly, celebrate The Fourth everyday — by simply participating in this unique form of government at all levels, including voting each time the opportunity presents itself.
Prime recognizes The Fourth this month with writer Willie Moseley’s The Wright Stuff, a look at Maxwell Air Force Base and its history, starting with the impact those illustrious Wright brothers had on its creation. The Civil War battlefield disasters that were Gettysburg and Vicksburg (also in July) are highlighted in Bloody July by Alan Wallace.

The military holds a special place in our culture. We greatly respect that unique segment of our population charged with protecting our country without regard for their own lives. In our family, my father, father-in-law and husband have all served in the military. They, and the tens of thousands who came before them and will come after them, appropriately deserve our deepest and most heartfelt appreciation.

So do millions of others who labor unseen and unheralded. The last few words of the Declaration of Independence (“…we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, & our sacred honor…”) were agreed to by a mixed lot, including soldiers, attorneys, judges and career politicians. Scattered among them were also doctors, merchants, farmers, a college president, a cobbler, teachers, a printer, and an ‘iron master’ (he owned a forge).

Translated to today, the modern equivalent of such a diverse group of individuals might include a clerk in a government office, a building inspector, taxi driver, florist, artist, a police officer, firefighter, and maybe even a blogger. It is this unique collection of individuals, representing all manner of occupations and attitudes, that makes our democracy work. They go to work each day, do their jobs competently, and abide by the laws and rules of our society.

Democracy is complex, requiring the attention of all of us who live under its umbrella. While The Fourth comes only in July, what we honor – our unique origins as a country, and the past and present sacrifices made by so many on our behalf – can be celebrated 365 days a year. Lucky us!

Editor Sandra Polizos

 

May you all have a safe and very Happy Fourth!

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