Symbols. The
definition of a symbol is "something that stands for or represents
something else.” As we celebrate another 4th of July, it’s interesting to think
about this day of celebration through our symbols. “Symbols reflect a meaning
and bring a vivid picture of what they represent to our minds. They help connect our feelings to that
object or an event. This,
in 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 Olympics just around the corner, you will 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 was 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 Julyare 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 Monday, July 4th 2016, 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.
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