Happy Birthday America

July 2, 2010

Independence Day – a day marked by Nathan’s Hog Dog eating contest on Coney Island New York, parades and pageants, fireworks and fire crackers, and lots and lots of flags waved, displayed and saluted.

What it means, and how it is celebrated is different for everyone. If we have lost a member of our family to the ravages of war we may view the day with an inner quiet reflecting upon service to country. Perhaps we feel that this is the one day of the year we can show off our red, white, and blue decorations and no one will complain that it is not or is politically correct. Love of country is expressed in a variety of ways, as is how we choose to honor the 4th of July.

The day reminds me of the requirements asked of immigrants to the country and the quiz that they must take prior to becoming citizens. I wonder if I could pass the test? I also reflect on the hometown parade, which this year experienced controversy over the idea of parading an elephant down the streets and through the neighborhoods. Many rose up in favor of the elephant and the invitation was withdrawn in the ninth hour. I was proud of my fellow citizens who learned a little bit about the treatment of elephants and saw the wisdom in not having ‘Kitty” lead the parade. Parades are important, fun, and teachable moments to our youth. When the child waves the flag or views the color guard, or listens to the marching band from the local high school, a signal is offered, a reminder is presented, and it is the parent’s responsibility to share what this day is all about. Waving the flag is not patriotic, in and of itself. So what is patriotism and what is flag waving?

The answer should come from within each one of us. How we serve our country and why we wave the flag should be a part of every Independence Day reflection time. Enjoy the day, and remember Joey Chestnut ate something like 68 hot dogs last year in 10 minutes at the world championships. My record is 4 veggie hot dogs at one sitting.