Patriotic Reflections
WHAT JULY 4TH MEANS TO YOU
Defending Freedom
Many of you wrote about your appreciation of the freedom that is allowed Americans and about your gratitude to those who risk or sacrifice their lives defending that freedom. Thank you for allowing us to share some of your responses here.
From: Donna Teresa, California
I have so many memories about Fourth of July moments from the past. As a child, you seem to think there are no problems in the world and the day is spent with family, friends, fireworks and sharing a meal. As the years pass and I get older and watching my children age, my feeling about this day means so much more. I gain a new profound love for my country each day. I appreciate the freedoms that we as Americans take for granted. And, I especially owe the biggest gratitude and thanks to our veterans and troops who have kept our country free since 1776. We as civilians, owe these men and women our deepest thanks everyday, not just on Veteran's Day, Memorial Day or July 4th. So many have lost their lives from every war. Freedom has been given to us, but a heavy price. Let's remember our fallen and our wounded and let's remember to help make this country a better place regardless of our differences in honor of them and their service.
From: Anita R. Coats, Washington
As a child, patriotism was pervasive in my New England home. I knew from an early time that days such as Memorial Day, Independance Day and Veteran's Day were not just days to picnic and have fun. It was instilled in me, by example, by this quiet and proud WWII vet, that we must care for all our service personnel EVERY day. My dad lived by that theme, helping all people everyday, as a citizen, veteran, husband, dad and mail carrier. So now, I don't mind if people see me wearing my patriotism on my sleeve each day, I proudly stand and teach my students to salute the flag each day before our lessons begin. We work together to make each person in the classroom's lives a little easier, and when one of America's special holiday's comes near, I make sure I pass on to this new generation of children, how important our beliefs in life, liberty and the persuit of happiness is each and every day! They students ask why I shed a tear now and then during flag salute...my response...I'm thinking of all the men and women who died so I can have the freedom to stand and openly salute our country's flag.
From: Jan Lucas, Iowa
As a Ride Captain for Patriot Guard Riders in Iowa, I have attended many funerals for our military past and present. I hear over and over, when talking to their families and friends, that their loved one "loved what they were doing". On this important day, I remember these heroes, young and old, and a quote from G.K. Chesterton..."The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." God bless all those that have served and those that serve today and God bless America!!
From: Robert S. Turner, Illinois
The 4th of July was my wife's favorite holiday. Every Fourth we would plant an American flag at the end of every driveway on our block. No one ever knew it was us. Today, as I watched the local parade and remembered my wife and my father who served in WWII I felt my heart swell with pride and appreciation as the color guard passed and people rose from their chairs, and cheered and clapped for these service men and women and a flag that means so much to us all.
From: Adryenne Johnson, California
The Fourth of July is a special holiday to me and my family because its a time to celebrate America and our freedom. My husband serves in the United States Navy and I am very proud of him and our country. I want to thank all the men and women who have and are now serving in the US Armed Forces. Thank you for your dedication to this country. It's because of you all that we get to be with our families on this special day. To Everyone away from their families God Bless and come home safe.
From: Rona Elliot, Pennsylvania
I think the 4th of July has changed by circumstance of war in it's meaning. I have always enjoyed the festivities that take place on this special day- but the day has come to mean much more than a celebration. To honor the soldiers who have died fighting in the war and to thank those that still serve is the reason I will spend this July 4th listening to songs that make me proud and make me cry. I will celebrate the life of our soldiers and take nothing for granted- because freedom isn't free, and families all across America know it.
From: Sheila Owens, Florida
i was born in germany after wwII, fatherd by a US soldier, german mother. he went back after his tour to his wife in the US. I was adopted by an american soldier stationed there in wiesbaden and his wife (they adopted 5 german chlldren in two years). We came to the states and have been very blessed. I have had many great opportunities here as this country is still very well blessed even to this day in time. I AM VERY PROUD OF THIS COUNTRY AND ALWAYS WILL BE. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR FIGHTING MEN WHO KEEP OUR FREEDOM. PRAYERS GO OUT TO THEM AND THIS COUNTRY.
From: David I. Kasse, Florida
I retired as a Commander, Supply Corps, USN on 1 July 1984 after serving our country for 20+ years. From the time I was a young child I knew some day that I would serve and after a few years on active duty, I found my calling. While living in the DC area, we rarely missed the Capitol Fourth Concerts. The patriotism displayed always brought tears to my eyes. As we approach the Summer Olympics, I think of each time I see the USA win a gold medal and I hear the national anthem - I ALWAYS have tears in my eyes. I am so proud to be a US citizen. God bless our country, its leaders and those who serve.
From: R. Pendergraft, North Carolina
I have always loved to celebrate the fourth - I love my country and am always happy to come together with other Americans to celebrate our freedom! So many have died for us to have the simple freedoms that are many times taken for granted every day. I'm so thankful for every man and woman who are protecting us even as we speak. God bless America!
From: Cliff Smith, New York
While we declared our independence in 1776, we still had to fight a brutal war to secure that freedom. It’s all those lives lost then and in later conflicts that remind us that our freedom has ever been anything but free. It is that price that makes all the July 4 picnics and parades possible.
From: Kate Westfall, Florida
The 4th of July means to me a time to reflect on the courage of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, for without them, we would not have the opportunity and privilege of living in this great nation. It’s also a time for me to reflect on my decision to serve in the military and to remember why I chose to raise my hand and swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
From: Beverly Summerrow, South Carolina
My father fought against tyranny at Iwo Jima, my sweetheart died in a field in Vietnam, and I have stood at the gravesides of four American soldiers killed in Iraq. The Fourth of July is so much more than fireworks, oh, so much more. It is a spirit of thankfulness and acknowledgment of what liberty truly means. A staggering reminder to never, ever take it for granted.
From: Jim Vandelly, Virginia
The 4th of July holiday and the PBS annual A Capitol Fourth celebration prove to the world that no terrorist organization or ideological extremist can break the unity and will of our multi-national country. Independence Day has come to signify that America embraces all world races, religions and cultures.
From: Patricia Robinson, Georgia
The 4th of July reminds me how proud I am to be an American. I come from a long line of military family and I believe it gives you a greater sense of how many have sacrificed from the beginning of our great land to welcome those who arrived on shore ... how many shore we’ve crossed to help others. This 4th I am most amazed at how many enlist in the military to fight for a cause they believe in – America – all Americans.
From: Susan Goldstein, New York
This [A Capitol Fourth] celebration truly reflects on how I grew up in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s ... our “new” generation must possess the same passion that we had for the freedom that exists in America. Unfortunately a war isn’t the answer, however I do think that our great servicemen serve as the “role models” needed to teach this generation about passion, integrity and commitment!!! I pray that they all come home soon and safe with the help of the Almighty.
From: Eric Turner, Tennessee
No words set my heart afire like these words from the song, “America the Beautiful”:
Oh beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life.
I hear those words and it hits me right in my heart. My chest tightens up, a pit forms in my stomach and my throat clinches. The words to that second verse touch me like no other and remind me of the sacrifice of good men and women who serve in the military. I don’t know if I ever truly appreciated service related holidays when I was in the military the way I do now that I am retired from the Army. I am proud of my military service. I wasn’t the best soldier but I did the duty and I served when others wouldn’t. I am proud to be in a fraternity that is only shared by 13% of the population.
From: Kaki Newgard, Illinois
My son Will was killed in Baghdad, Iraq in December 2006 by an IED. He drove a Humvee for his job – often driving high-ranking officers to meetings with Iraqi Army officials. Will’s job was to protect these officers, and he loved his job. He was only 20, but was drawn to the military since he was small. I know he died doing what he loved – protecting us back home, offering protection to the Iraqi Army and defending our freedom. My job is a school secretary in Palatine, Illinois, and my students were quite enthusiastic last fall in collecting needed items and sending care packages to Iraq in care of Will for soldiers who needed supplies, extra socks, hand/foot creams, etc. Will came home on leave for two weeks in December and spoke to the classes of students at my school thanking those who were responsible for writing his platoon and sending the packages. When news of his death reached our community, the students were deeply affected and planned two celebrations honoring him and all the soldiers abroad. I believe Memorial Day and the 4th of July will hold the proper meaning for all of these kids forever after because one soldier touched their lives. I pray that other people can be touched in the same way – hopefully without losing a friend, a soldier their community, a brother or a son. Peace to all – God Bless America!
From: Rita A. Parks, South Carolina
Celebrating the Fourth of July is an honor. This celebration brings all Americans together to celebrate our great country and also honor those who have made the United States the greatest country in the world. We should never forget how fortunate we are to live and have all the freedoms we are afforded. God Bless America!
From: Jennifer Hughes, Washington
“On today, the 4th of July, America's Birthday, I think about patriotism. As a child, it meant being proud to be an American as I recited the Pledge of Allegiance. As a teen, it meant thanking and appreciating those who served our country, to defend our freedom and the freedom of others around the world. Now, as a young adult, it means reflecting on my choice to enter the military as an officer after completing college, as I am motivated by my own sense of duty to serve my country.”
From: Heidi Bassani, Washington, DC
“Independence Day has always been a time for me to be grateful for all our service members and their families who have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy and often abuse. In my job, I work with injured soldiers and now not a day passes that I'm not inspired and awed by these brave and resilient men and women. We should be thankful every day, not one day a year, that we have people like this securing our freedom! Thank you a million times over.”
From: Jeanette Mullis, Arkansas
“[July 4th, 2006] is the 2nd 4th of July celebration since my son returned from 2 deployments to Iraq. We will grill hotdogs and hamburgers and we will remember the hardships and emotional suffering of the families of those serving in the military. Most of all, we will give thanks that our family can be together in this great country.”
From: Matthew Weaver, North Carolina
“July 4th means everything to me. As a college student who is studying to become a history professor, I am constantly moved and amazed reading the sacrifices that our early American leaders endured and some died so that we can have our freedom. Freedom to worship, go to work, attend school, and to be with our families is the greatest freedom in the world. Whether you agree/disagree with the war situation that is going on, our soldiers deserve the respect and support from Americans. May God always bless America and this great country.”
From: Linda Montoya, Texas
“I recently returned from my first visit to Washington, D.C. The memorial that I most wanted to see was the World War II Memorial. My father served in the US Army during WWII, and fought in the Pacific. He did not live long enough to see this Memorial finished and would have been proud to see that he, along with others, were not forgotten. That Memorial, along with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean Memorial moved me to tears. The words ‘Freedom is not free’ etched on the wall at the Korean War Memorial takes on new meaning after the events of 911. A young man who meant a great deal to our family was killed in Iraq on December 4, 2004. I also saw the new Memorial Wall in the Rayburn House Office Bldg. dedicated to those killed in Afghanistan and Iraq. The lives of all of these young men and women lost to us in war stand as a reminder to all what the freedoms we enjoy cost so many. On this Independence Day, I am a free, independent citizen of the USA because of all of those in the military who have served for me, my family and the freedoms I enjoy. Freedom is not free. The cost is great, and many paid the price for me. To them I am thankful, and because of them I am blessed.”
From: Robert Martin, Indiana
"To me, the Fourth of July is more than just family, hot dogs, apple pie and fireworks – it is a time to reflect on all of the freedoms I have as a citizen of the USA; and it is a time to be grateful to all the men and women who have sacrificed time, fortune, liberty and even life so that I, and every citizen, could have those freedoms given us in the Constitution."
From: Raymond E. Smith, Washington
“The Fourth of July means liberty and justice for all; freedom of worship and speech. I am a Korean Vet and I love my country and I am proud that I served my country.”
From: Brian Aucion, Massachusetts
“I am so thankful to all the veterans who made the sacrifice so that we all may live in freedom. I am only 46 and have never served in the Armed Forces, but I have the utmost respect for all the men and women in uniform. Ask my wife, I have flags all around the house and whenever she wants to get me a present, I tell her, ‘Anything with the flag on it.’ God bless our great land.”
From: Dale Karraker, Maryland
"As a fourth generation US Navy retiree, I use this day to reinforce to my children the importance of this date and what it represents. Having seen first-hand around the globe what it is like NOT to have the freedoms we hold so dear, we try to emphasize reflection on the sacrifices that gave us those freedoms. We usually have a family barbecue followed by attending the A Capitol Fourth celebration or a commemoration at one of the National Battlefields in the DC area. Our most revered tradition, however, is to raise the flag as a family in front of our home, followed by a reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance. If we are not at A Capitol Fourth, we ALWAYS watch it on PBS. Keep up the great tradition!"
