Holidays in the US
I am really wondering about the purpose of holidays in the US today. Of course, most of them were set aside to celebrate patriotic events, or to commemorate notable historical figures, or to honor groups of people, or to commemorate widely celebrated religious holidays.
As the fourth day in July rolls around, we will have the opportunity to celebrate the US national holiday. It is, of course, noting the day in 1776 when the United States declared its independence from Great Britain. I would submit, however, that most Americans could care less about the origins of their national holiday. How can I come to that conclusion? Let me explain.
In the media, and in speaking to average Americans in the course of my day, I have not once heard any reference to why this holiday exists. I have heard people talk about the day off from work, and the fortunate coincidence this year of how it lands on a Friday, allowing those who work Monday through Friday to have a three-day holiday. I have heard people describe the picnics they will attend, the family they will reunite with, and the parties they will enjoy.
I also hear much about the fireworks that otherwise sane people will deploy with abandon. I’m sure that the evening of the 4th will again turn my neighborhood into the equivalent of a war zone, at least for a few hours. Professional fireworks displays will be widely available to those wishing to enjoy large-scale pyrotechnics.
There is one main reason I submit that we are celebrating only the “day-off-work, have a picnic, and shoot off some fireworks” holiday and ignoring the reason the holiday exists. Look around at the television, on the Internet, and in the people you interact with today. Has anyone said to you “Today is Independence Day”? In most cases, I doubt it. We are all celebrating a day, the “Fourth of July” as opposed to “Independence Day”. This is truly about taking a day off and shooting off fireworks, and nothing to do with the celebration of independence of the United States.
Look for yourself. Listen to others. Let me know if anyone wishes you a happy Independence Day, or if anyone other than a handful of retired military veterans even mention or try to commemorate the Independence Day holiday. No one will even say the words “Independence Day”. You likely will not hear those words spoken.
Why is this the case? For most Americans today, we no longer celebrate Independence Day. We have abandoned Independence Day. We now celebrate a shallow holiday we all call the 4th of July. We celebrate a Summer day off from work.
For those who care, Happy Independence Day!
For the remainder of Americans, Happy 4th of July!
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