Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
America today is experiencing trials and tribulations in its history, its founding heritage and its existence.
Many years ago, people fought to become independent of other rulers and chose to separate its association with another country’s beliefs and standards.
History notes that Independence Day, the Fourth of July, is a holiday which commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which solidified the American colonies’ resolution to fight for their independence from Britain, the monarch of King George III, and were now free and independent states.
It is a widely held understanding that, “A major milestone in the United States’ development as a nation, the Declaration of Independence, was written by Thomas Jefferson and later approved by Congress in a closed-door session on July 2, 1776. The next day, Founding Father John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife Abigail: ‘But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.’ He continues, saying that he thinks that this will become ‘the great anniversary Festival’ to be remembered as ‘the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty.’”
Google research reveals that, “This will be the 244th birthday of our country, the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776 and in six years will mark the 250th anniversary, what will be officially known as the ‘Semiquincentennial,’ on July 4, 2026.”
In 1941, July 4 was made a federal holiday, however, Americans had been celebrating it decades before.
Some of the hometown Veterans of Craig County have shared that the Fourth of July is special because it serves as a reminder of both one’s political and personal freedoms.
One local Veteran, Eugene Francisco, shared, “I celebrate July 4 because that’s what we all fought for then and in wars after, to keep our freedom and I will until I die.”
Another Veteran added, “Because of our freedom from other countries strongholds, we can worship as we please here as Christians, our heritage from the foundation of the first colonies.”
However, today, life seems different in America. Some question, “Are we still the United States of America?”
On the news channels, The White House reported in a statement that it will be hosting a “2020 Salute to America” on the South Lawn for the Fourth of July.
The White House added, “The announcement signals another big celebration in honor of Independence Day, set with music, military demonstrations, and flyovers to honor our Nation’s service members and veterans.”
President Trump will also give a speech prior to the traditional firework display at the end of the evening.
Democratic lawmakers from D.C. requested that “the celebrations be put off this year to save taxpayers money in light of the coronavirus pandemic.”
“As President Trump has said, there will be an Independence Day celebration this year and it will have a different look than 2019 to ensure the health and safety of those attending,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere said. “The American people have shown tremendous courage and spirit in the fight against this global pandemic just as our forefathers did in the fight to secure our independence. Both deserve celebration on America’s birthday this year.”
The President is reportedly expected to attend at a July 3 flyover at Mount Rushmore, according to Fox News.
The local Daughters of the American Revolution have added their spirit of patriotism and gratitude throughout Craig County.
“For several years, Craig Valley Chapter NSDAR has encouraged businesses and organizations with road-side signs to post a patriotic message to celebrate our nation’s independence,” DAR representative Diane Givens said.
She added, “They hope that as visitors and residents drive through the county they will be impacted by this display of community spirit and patriotism. Many years the suggested message has included ‘Happy Birthday America’ with phrases such as ‘Freedom is Not Free’ or ‘America the Beautiful.’”
This year ladies of the chapter are making extra effort to flood the town with “Patriotism is Still Alive – God Bless America” spirit by distributing printed signs to businesses which do not have road signs, but have available wall space.
Their Regent, Margaret Hines, encourages citizens to fly their American Flag the week of July 4.
Salute your country, the United States of America, by flying your flag and honoring all who have fought, whether in combat or at home, to keep our country a free nation and one known to exemplify honor, integrity, courage and faith.
