Patriotism is a feeling of love, adoration, and commitment to one's country. On July 4, the day of Independence Day, a federal holiday, many Americans feel this way very strongly.
This day honors the Declaration of American Independence from Great Britain in 1776. Americans get together to celebrate their freedom and the principles that guide their country on this day.
History of Independence Day
The American Revolution, a war that broke out between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain in 1765, is where the origins of Independence Day can be found. The colonists disapproved of the British government's policies because they thought they were repressive and unfair. These regulations included high levies and trade limitations.
As a result, the colonists staged demonstrations and boycotts, which ultimately led to an armed war. The Continental Congress was established in 1775, and it formally proclaimed the colonies independence from Great Britain in 1776. Representatives from each of the thirteen colonies signed this declaration, which was drafted by Thomas Jefferson.
July 4, 1777, saw the first Independence Day celebration in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The city held parades, bonfires, and fireworks displays to commemorate. The festival spread throughout time, and in 1870 it was declared a national holiday.
Patriotic Pride
On July 4th, Americans celebrate their sense of national pride. This pride is derived from the principles of liberty, democracy, and equality upon which the nation was built. The Declaration of Independence upholds these ideals by asserting that “all men are created equal” and that they have the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Men and women have served in the military throughout the course of the nation’s history, putting their lives in danger to defend the nation and its liberties. On Independence Day, their sacrifices are remembered, and they serve as a reminder of the value of liberty and democracy.
The variety of the nation is a different cause for national pride. The inhabitants of the United States are a melting pot of cultures from all over the world. On Independence Day, this diversity is acknowledged since it gives the nation strength. Americans are proud of their nation’s capacity to accept and integrate people from various backgrounds and regard this as a reflection of the nation’s fundamental principles.
Celebrating Independence Day
Independence Day is now observed around the country with parades, barbecues, picnics, and fireworks shows. On this day, Americans join together to honor their freedom, their nation, and the ideals it stands for.
Attending a parade is one of the most well-liked ways to celebrate Independence Day. Marching bands, floats, and expressions of national pride are all featured in these parades. As part of ceremonies honoring their contributions to the nation, police, firefighters, and military personnel are frequently included in parades.
Another popular activity for celebrating Independence Day is going on a BBQ or picnic. Families and friends eat traditional American fare like hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato salad together. Numerous individuals fly patriotic flags and display banners in their homes and yards, and these festivities are typically held outside.
One of the most important aspects of the Fourth of July celebrations is the spectacular fireworks displays. Numerous cities, villages, and other locales hold their own fireworks shows, which draw large audiences to parks and other public spaces to watch. These performances, which typically include patriotic music, emphasize the importance of freedom and independence to Americans.
Challenges to Patriotic Pride
While patriotic pride is strong in the United States, it is not without its challenges. Slavery and racism have made it even more tough and challenging. Despite the country's founding principles of equality and liberty, African Americans and other minorities have faced discrimination and injustice throughout the country's history.
This history has led some people to question the country's values and its commitment to justice and equality. Some have even called for the country to confront its past and acknowledge the harm that has been done to minorities. While this can be difficult and uncomfortable, it is seen by many as an important step towards building a more just and equitable society.
Another challenge to patriotic pride is the country’s political divisions. The United States has a long history of political polarization, and this has become even more pronounced in recent years. Many people feel the country is divided and its political system is broken.
This division has led some people to question the country’s ability to live up to its founding values and to wonder whether it can continue to be a beacon of freedom and democracy. While it is clear that the country faces many challenges, many people still believe in its ability to overcome them and to continue to be a model for other countries around the world.
Independence Day is a time of celebrating the freedom and values that Americans and their culture hold. It is a day of displaying deep affiliation with the United States. It is a time when people take time to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made to defend their country and its values.
No doubt, the difficulties faced by people in the United States are still many including slavery, political divisions, and racism but many patriotic Americans have high hopes and an optimistic approach toward overcoming them very soon.
In the end, being patriotic involves more than just celebrating the Fourth of July. It involves upholding the nation’s basic principles each and every day and making efforts to create a society that is more just and equitable.
It involves accepting the nation’s shortcomings and seeking to fix them while also appreciating the many qualities that make the United States a great nation. This Independence Day, as they join together to celebrate their nation and its history, Americans will likely feel a sense of pride and delight.
However, students will also be made aware of the work still needed to ensure that the nation upholds its basic principles and that all Americans can enjoy freedom.