I love the 4th of July. Independence Day is a happy day to me. I like seeing the flag, the parades, picnics and fireworks. What is not to like? Well, in Texas that would be the heat. Austin has spectacular fireworks but we haven't been to see them in years -- it is just too hot. Plus, it takes a couple of hours to get out of the park where the fireworks are set-off because of the hundreds of thousands of people who come to watch. Not so much fun.
Armga family traditions? The fireworks were set off at Harmon Park which was close to our house. This park had a baseball stadium where a AAA baseball league played. It had a swimming pool where we took lessons and made an effort to learn to swim. For years it had a WWII army tank parked for us to climb on as we played. I remember having picnics at this park and I also remember playing on the playground equipment and getting really sunburned.
For fireworks I remember we'd take a blanket and sit at the edge of the park. I specifically remember wearing a jacket one year because it was chilly.
Oh, and how could I forget the sparklers. Now this was the big thing! We'd do sparklers on the front yard of our Addison house. Pat also remembers doing the little coil thingies that would burn down and leave a black spot on the sidewalk.
In later years the more sophisticated fireworks became available for purchase. I remember at our Jerome house that Bruce would razzle dazzle us all with his pyrotechnic display. Weren't we lucky that no one got hurt?
Dad was so patriotic and instilled in his children a love, respect and reverence for this nation of freedom in which we live. I worry and fret on a regular basis that I don't do enough to support our democracy. I vote but is that enough? Politics are too political (I remember even Dad saying this)and it is easy to want to disengage from all the bickering, name calling and fear-tactics. But I know the strength of our system of government rests on the citizenry being informed. I believe we each do have an obligation to make an effort to know the issues and to educate ourselves so we can develop informed opinions on those issues. And I don't want my opinions to be just regurgitated media-speak.
I recently purchased a used political science textbook that looks at prevailing theories and ideas that shape our political world. I'm having to do some selective reading to start because some of it just doesn't YET engage my mind. I love pursuing my interest in American Presidents because the more I read about them and their times the more I begin to understand the history of this country. Of course some of that reading just makes me more frustrated because it seems we, as a country, seem to make the same mistakes more than once.
Do you feel patriotic? What do you feel are your responsibilities as a citizen of America?
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I believe that I am patriotic...more so now than ever. I love history and everything that it entails. I love that my grandfathers served this country and fought for my freedoms. I love that my brother, my little brother, is willing and able to protect me and all that is sacred to me. I am grateful for his friends and their training. I am proud of a beautiful flag, that makes me sob as it is carried down the road in a parade. I am even more proud when I hear that others respect and understand the flag, like I do. I love the 4th of July for all that it means to me. I am especially proud of good examples. Aidan saw the color marching down the road today in the parade. Most stood respectfully for the flag. Aidan saw it and clapped and smiled so big and bright. He tried to go into the street as the military men walked...unlike many...nothing would make this mother more proud than to have him join such ranks. I love America.
ReplyDeleteMy responsiblities are to teach the young and especially the IGNORANT! Some don't know that they are ignorant...and I will gladly tell them to take their hat off and respect the symbol of our freedoms and SO much else...I often do so anyway.
Wow Katie! I thought I was patriotic until I read yours and Katie's comments. I love the 4th. It's one of my top three favorite Holidays. The day is not just about BBQing and Parades and Fireworks. It's our countries Birthday. When I think of it that way it makes me think of our countries History and your right Aunt Carol, we do repeat it. It's a shame we don't learn our lesson and change. I too got teary-eyed during the parade. I watched those men (veterans) as they passed by and wonder what their eye's have seen. I can only imagine what they've done for our country, for me.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought on my responsibilities as a citizen is to support my President. I hate how poorly people spoke of President Bush. I think it is important to have an opinion, we don't need to always agree with the President, but a little more respect for him is needed. I wish I knew more about Politics. I do feel as an American Citizen I need to know more, but somethings are too far over my head and I quickly lose interest. Hopefully someday I'll get involved.
I have been reading John Adams. What a great book. I have also been watching the HBO mini-serious about John Adams (based on the book). Another 4th if July tradition for me is to watch 1776. I get very touched when I think about what those men went through so that we could worship, vote, and belive how we wanted. I hear people talk about that we need to get back the Consitution to what the Founding Fathers meant it to me. I am pretty sure no one really knows how they meant it to be. We where not there with them. All i know is - John Adams was amazing and he is now on my list of people to meet when I die.
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