Chicago celebrates the Fourth of July a day early. I'm sure those of you who do not reside in the United States of America know that the Fourth of July is an important holiday for us. We celebrate the founding of our country on that day.
But...something odd has happened. Over the past 35 years or so, it seems that it has become politically correct to celebrate near that date. When the Fourth falls on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, we have a three day weekend, with Monday off. I'm not sure what the government does when it falls on one of the other days. Perhaps government workers get the Fourth off, as well as a three day weekend.
I suspect that Chicago changed its celebration to the Third as a matter of convenience and economics. It allows people to come into the city for the fireworks and picnics, and still participate in their home town's celebration.
Still, I wish we focused on the Fourth, and what it means. More than anything, I regret that our convenience days mute the reason for the holiday. I worry that in some areas, it's not cool to be patriotic. Sunday, I'll be thinking about all those who have lost their lives to keep us safe, and I'll celebrate the country that gives us amazing freedom.
Join me, won't you?
Comments (8)
I heard the other day that one of our major cities (no snickering from those that live in a city with a larger population than our state!) Is celebrating the 4th on the 2nd.
What kind of sense does that make?
Posted by bogie | July 1, 2004 5:14 AM
Posted on July 1, 2004 05:14
One of our local communities does a big celebration the day before (small community/cheaper big pyrotechnic display) which has made the celebration larger all around...many folks go to two celebrations - all of which are very patriotic...
Glad I live where most understand what a great country we live in!
Posted by PJ | July 1, 2004 9:25 AM
Posted on July 1, 2004 09:25
Sounds a bit like Christmas in the UK. Originally it just ran from Christmas Eve until Boxing Day, them someone had the idea to give us a Bank Holiday on 1 January (presumably so everyone can get over the hangovers from the night before). Now the Christmas holiday for many runs from 24 December until 2 January.
Enjoy yourself and use the time to have a good relax.
Adele
Posted by Adele | July 1, 2004 12:54 PM
Posted on July 1, 2004 12:54
We celebrate Canada day starting the eve before, a concert and fireworks at midnight then the next day there is more activities - might as well celebrate for at least 24 hours!
Posted by Desiree | July 1, 2004 9:02 PM
Posted on July 1, 2004 21:02
I like that 24 hour idea, Des. I don't mind the idea of a longer celebration, but I'd like it to culminate on the Fourth.....not before, and not after. How can we expect kids to identify the reason for the celebration of we are so iffy about WHEN to celebrate??
Posted by Buffy | July 1, 2004 9:29 PM
Posted on July 1, 2004 21:29
Exactly - We ought to apply this to Christmas too - I think over time Christmas has been dragged out way too long and made way too big and it stresses the women (particularily wives/moms) of our times.
Posted by Desiree | July 5, 2004 8:27 AM
Posted on July 5, 2004 08:27
Hope you had a good day Buffy!
The US Ambassador's residence here (which is pretty close to where I live) sometimes does a fireworks thing....but it seems they were all quiet this year. I saw no sparks.
Posted by Dr. D. | July 5, 2004 8:47 AM
Posted on July 5, 2004 08:47
IT IS A SAD TIME WE CAN CAN'T TAKE THE 4TH OF JULY OFF AND CELEBRATE WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FREE. REGARDLESS OF THE DAY OF THE WEEK THERE ARE SOMETHINGS WE CAN'T CHANGED.
Posted by johnny | August 17, 2004 12:53 AM
Posted on August 17, 2004 00:53