Happy 4th of July 2014

Symbols.  The definition of a symbol is "something that stands for or represents something else.”  As we are a few days away from celebrating another 4^th of July, it’s interesting to think about this day of celebration through our symbols. “Symbols reflect a meaning and bring a vivid picture they represent to our minds.  They help connect our feelings to that object or an event.  This, is turn, gives us a constant reminder which is the purpose of symbols.  Every country in the world has symbols that give its citizens a sense of national pride.” 

One of those symbols is the flag.  ”Flags are symbols which give the citizens of a particular country a sense of national pride.”  With the World Cup going on now, you notice the flag of each of the participating countries being flown/waved with great enthusiasm!   “The United States Flag, also referred to as “Old Glory” and the “Star Spangled Banner,” symbolizes our freedom and liberties.  In addition, it stands for the foundation which our government is built.”

Over time, our flag’s design has evolved from the “Cambridge Flag” General George Washington raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts on January 1776 to the Stars and Stripes flag which had the thirteen alternating red and white stripes and a circle of white stars on a blue background.  The next flag was introduced when Vermont and Kentucky became the first two states added to the Union after the original thirteen.  “This was also the flag which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem, ‘The Defense of Fort McHenry’ which became the Star Spangled Banner, and later our national anthem.  This was our national flag from 1795-1818.  In 1818, Congress passed a law returning our flag to the original thirteen stripes and a star for each state.”

”Why stars and stripes?  Stars are considered a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun.”

Another symbol for the United States is that of the bald eagle.  Congress chose the American Bald Eagle to be our national bird in 1784 although there was much debate over the choice. “As a result of the debate, the bald eagle was chosen because it symbolizes strength, courage, freedom, bravery, and immortality.”  You will find the Bald Eagle on two coins; the quarter and the half dollar.  It is also on the President’s flag and on army and navy uniforms.

What about fireworks?  They always seem to be a part of every celebration across the country.  According to Kirsten Sorenson a contributor for ehow, “Fireworks and the Fourth of July are as American as apple pie, picnics and parades. However, the origin of fireworks stretches much further back than July 4, 1776. Fireworks have long been used in many cultures to celebrate, so their use in Independence Day celebrations was natural for American colonists accustomed to English celebrations highlighted and heightened by fireworks displays.”

The Statue of Liberty – yet another symbol.   According to Wikipedia, “The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886, a gift to the United States from the people of France. The statue is of a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, who bears a torch and a tablet evoking the law upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. A broken chain lies at her feet. The statue is an icon of freedom and of the United States: a welcoming signal to immigrants arriving from abroad.”

A little American history which may be new information for some, a refresher for others, and always a reminder for all of us of what we have here in our country.  These symbols: the flag, the Bald Eagle, fireworks, and the Statue of Liberty are only a few of the symbols which reflect our democratic freedoms.  As you celebrate Friday, July 4^th 2014, I wish you safety, fun, good food, friendship, and most of all, I hope you look around at the beauty in our country and all that we have in our lives because we are a free country.