The Fourth of July is More than Fireworks

By Shannon Hembree

Fourth of July

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It’s that time of year again – the Fourth of July. Americans everywhere are firing up their grills, stocking up on fireworks, and making plans for the big weekend. But is that what Independence Day is really all about? In a word, no.

Independence Day is about – well, independence. It’s about the American colonies declaring that they would not be part of the British Empire any longer. At least that’s the version you read in history books.

But beyond the history books, it’s about people who sacrificed everything for the chance for freedom. It is often said that freedom isn’t free. Nothing could be more true. Freedom is paid for with the lives of those who go off to fight for their country, and it is paid for by the families they leave behind.

Americans without military ties haven’t been asked to sacrifice anything for the war efforts in Afghanistan or Iraq. Those without family members in the military often go about their daily lives without a thought about the hardships being endured by men and women in uniform and their families day after day.

This Fourth of July, as with every other day, Americans owe it to the men and women in the Armed Forces to take time to ask themselves, “How can I say thank you?” and “What can I do?”

The good news is, there are several organizations dedicated to helping America’s troops overseas, and there are numerous ways in which Americans can help – from volunteering and donating money to sending letters and care packages. The USO, which has been around since before World War II, is a great place to start (http://www.uso.org/). There is also the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org), Any Soldier (http://anysoldier.com/), and a number of other organizations and volunteer efforts.

So this Fourth of July, the question is, what will you sacrifice? What will you do? Can you spare some of your allowance this month for a donation to an organization that you think would put the money to good use? Will you put together a care package of items needed by troops overseas? Will you volunteer if there are opportunities in your area? Will you send a message of thanks?

The USO’s motto is “Until every one comes home.” This Fourth of July, all Americans – young and old – should take that to heart and remember that members of our Armed Forces are real people. They are fathers, sons, brothers, mothers, daughters, and sisters. So until every one does come home, Americans should do everything they can to ensure that the service of these brave men and women is not forgotten.

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