Our Independence - A personal message from the author.

Caesar Rondina, Author | Public Speaker
Jun 30
7 min read

Picture of Author and title including time and date.

INTRODUCTION To Independence:

Greetings, everyone. Every now and then, I veer from the requested topics and discuss a topic of my choosing. I received no emails this year asking me to discuss our independence or the meaning of Independence Day. I found that quite interesting, and it made me ask myself a question. Do we take our independence for granted? I believe we all do, to some degree. As Independence Day approaches, I wanted to share some thoughts with everyone.

Most holidays involve a party, a picnic, or some form of gathering of friends and family. Holidays are a reason for us to celebrate. Many other nations and cultures celebrate differently, as they choose to do. However, in the United States, July 4th. is marked by fireworks displays, parades, barbecues, and family gatherings.

The day begins with ceremonies and speeches, often including readings of the Declaration of Independence. Major cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles host spectacular fireworks shows that attract thousands of spectators. Additionally, communities often organize festivals featuring local music, food, and games, promoting a sense of national unity and pride. They are all great tributes to our independence.

MY THOUGHTS:

For our children to understand the meanings of these holidays, we, as parents, need to reinforce those meanings and not rely solely on what they read in a history book at school, which, for most, will be forgotten. Independence Day is not just a formal observance; it embodies the spirit of freedom and the sacrifices made to attain it. The day serves various important purposes:

It is a time for us, as citizens, to reflect on our history and the struggles faced by those who fought for their rights. The day encourages a sense of gratitude and respect for the sacrifices that made independence possible. Independence Day also fosters a sense of belonging and unity among people. People from diverse backgrounds need to come together to celebrate their shared identity as a nation. Our nation is home to many cultures, beliefs, and people who express them in diverse ways. Ways that we all should respect.

A good example of this might be the concept of "God." Many religions and cultures have different names for their highest being. However, is the name a culture uses to refer to their higher being make the meaning of God less important? Of course, it does not. The same applies to independence. Regardless of how any nation or culture achieves its independence, the meaning of independence remains the same. This is diversity in its purest form. We should never condemn or show hate for another culture in our nation because they are different or use different terminology. As a nation and a people, we are much better than that.

Celebrations highlight the values of independence, such as freedom, democracy, and equality. They remind citizens of their rights and responsibilities in upholding these principles, for those who may not recall their history lessons. Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The American colonies had been grappling with British control and oppressive taxation, leading to growing sentiments for self-governance. Key figures in the struggle for independence included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and many others, who played integral roles in rallying support for autonomy.

The Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, eloquently articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and the philosophical foundation for independence. It famously stated that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration on July 4, marking the colonies' transition from subjects to sovereign states.

Independence Day signifies far more than merely breaking away from British authority. It represents the birth of a new nation built on the ideals of democracy and individual freedom. The events surrounding this day serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals who fought for liberty, and the ongoing quest for justice and equality that defines American identity.

Independence Day is an opportunity for Americans to reflect on their shared history, values, and the ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union. It invites citizens to consider how far the nation has come and the work that still lies ahead to ensure freedom and equality for all. These ideals and principles do not need to be discussed and lectured about at family picnics, but we should never forget or overlook them in our hearts as we celebrate these wonderful moments.

One principle and the idea I try to live by is never to forget that someone gave up their tomorrows so we can have our today. This is a variation of a quote by John Maxwell Edmonds, a British poet, which reads, "When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today."

THE IMPORTANCE OF REMEMBRANCE:

Picture of American Flag with people cheering

Remembrance is essential because it is how we learn from our past, both the successes and the failures. It is also how we honor those who came before us. Someone forged every path in a forest. You forge your path in life for yourself, your children, and your family. You do this without even realizing that you are doing it. Your parents did it, and their parents and all parents before them did the same.

Many say we are living in challenging times, but we have always lived in challenging times. However, we survived and stepped up to meet those challenges. Many say we are a divided nation, rather than a united one. The reality is that only a tiny percentage of people are not united, and that percentage is primarily in the political arena. Not necessarily our politicians, but those who have chosen to instigate violence and oppression. Frankly, that is nothing new; we hear more about it due to advancements in technology and the ability to learn about it. However, when disaster strikes, we unite as a nation better than any other.

We are not the only nation with independence and freedom. However, there are not enough. As of 2023, Freedom House, an independent watchdog organization, reported that only 45 countries (about 23% of the world's total) are classified as "free." That number may increase someday. Therefore, we must be thankful that we, the citizens of the United States of America, live in a free and independent country.

We take it for granted because the generation of immigrants who migrated here, our ancestors, is slowly passing away, and we, the next generation, do not know any other way. Perhaps if we did, we might appreciate what we have more and not take our freedom and independence for granted. Also, many would not feel so entitled if we were part of the generation that escaped from other countries where independence did not exist.

Entitlement can also be a learned behavior. In many free societies, citizens are exposed to messages that promote individualism and personal achievement. When individuals observe others achieving success or receiving rewards, they may come to believe that such outcomes are not only possible but also expected. Recent generations have been raised with significantly highlighted notions of fairness and inclusion, leading to a common belief that everyone deserves access to success and benefits without requiring equivalent effort. Hence, entitlement.

Governments in free nations often provide various social programs designed to support citizens. While these safety nets are essential for fostering equality and protecting the vulnerable, they can inadvertently contribute to a sense of entitlement, particularly when the benefits are undeserved. When citizens rely heavily on government support, they may begin to view these services as inherent rights rather than privileges or assistance, leading to increased expectations and feelings of entitlement. These feelings are passed on to their future generations.

Entitlement can lead to great discontent in society; much of what we see today, as individuals who feel deserving of more, may become frustrated when their expectations are not met. This discontent can manifest in various ways, ranging from political unrest to social movements that demand broader definitions of rights and entitlements. You see, as wonderful as freedom and independence are, they come with challenges and a price. This is why remembering where we came from and how we have progressed is so important, and passing that knowledge along to our children is equally important.

IN CLOSING:

These are just some personal thoughts I wanted to share with you. As long as we remember that Independence Day and other holidays are more than just a day off work for some, or a time for social gatherings, they are a profound celebration of national pride and historical significance. Whether marked with fireworks in the United States, parades in India, or cultural festivities in Mexico, these celebrations echo a universal desire for freedom and self-determination. As countries reflect on their journeys toward independence, they continue to inspire future generations about the importance of liberty, justice, and unity among all people.

There has been much controversy surrounding diversity in recent years. Diversity is not a negative thing; it is a positive thing. What makes diversity a problem is when people use the umbrella of diversity as a tool, rather than its true meaning, considering that this percentage of people is very low. Certain groups use the news media as pawns on a chessboard to spread their discontent. As people, we must be smart enough to see through it. Therefore, on this special day, let us honor the past and work towards a future where freedom and justice prevail for all. During this process, I wish you all a safe, healthy, and happy Independence Day.

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Please feel free to leave a comment. If you would like me to discuss a specific topic, please email me at crondina@caesarrondinaauthor.com. As always, I accept guest blog posts. If you wish to write about a topic, email your finished draft in an editable Word format to crondina@caesarrondinaauthor.com. I will review it and get back to you. Thank you.