Happy Fourth of July
By debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
United States
July 4, 2012 8:57am CST
I am proud of my country. I honor the Founders of my country today. They risked their lives, their fortunes, and all they held dear to stand up to Britain's King George for freedom to govern themselves. In doing so, they gave me and my descendents the opportunity to live in a country where you may freely speak your mind, worship as you see fit, own property and labor and trade for what you need and desire. And most importantly, by your vote, decide what your future will be.
I am sad that we are about to loose all that because we have allowed fear to replace bravery. We have allowed insecurity to replace our liberty.
I'd like for ALL mylotters to respond; even if you are not from USA. Tell me, if you are an American what this day means to you. And if you are not from USA, what things make you proud of your country. Perhaps you also celebrate a day special to the founding of your country? Tell me what you do to celebrate. Tell me why you are proud of your country.
1 person likes this
6 responses
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
6 Jul 12
I feel our freedom slowing ticking away too, but like my son mentioned the other day, we should be thankful for what we do have and we still have more freedom than many other countries..
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
6 Jul 12
Ugh, the heat is getting to me, I meant to say "our freedom slowing slipping away" not ticking, where'd that come from???
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
6 Jul 12
Or perhaps this discussion reminds me how time is ticking away...
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
6 Jul 12
perhaps there was a clock somewhere ticking?
We are blessed, even in this time, with these problems. 
1 person likes this
@courtknee525 (3742)
• United States
4 Jul 12
I've always enjoyed celebrating the 4th and I still do, this year I have a different feeling and view of why I celebrate. Before, I used to think of it as America's birthday and we celebrate with fireworks and stuff like that. Now, I feel differently because my boyfriend just went in the army a few months ago. It's not a bad feeling, but I can't quite describe exactly what I'm feeling like. It's one of those feelings that's kind of eerie..I had the same feeling when I went to the cemetery in Arlington.
Ever since he joined the army, I feel even more proud of our country and what our citizens do for it. So all these holidays like the 4th and Memorial day make me really sit back and respect what our military does.
I mean, I already support my boyfriend, so why not the rest of our military? I just wish I had my soldier here to celebrate with
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
4 Jul 12
When you realize the price that is paid for what we have so often taken for granted, when it sinks in the cost of it, it will make you feel differently.
I pray for the safety of your loved one. God Bless our military!
@courtknee525 (3742)
• United States
4 Jul 12
It definitely lets me know that things are real and that our men and women fight for our country. Knowing how real it is scares me because I constantly worry about my boyfriend. Thank you, I definitely pray for him too
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
10 Jul 12
I'm proud of the USA because it came about as a result of two things.. mankind's working its way through history of tyranny and abuse, to the forefather's having the perception and foresight to set up a system of government that strongly limited government and it reach, scope and power!! (Something the country has and is being educated out of!) And, the precepts upon which the constitutional law(s) were based were Christian in origin, beginning with the Magna Charter and brought about a whole new way of looking at ruling and rulers (and feudalism).. Guaranteeing certain God given "rights" of individuals / the people / every day folks previously called peasants!
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
6 Jul 12
We in Australia did not have to fight any war to gain independence and in a way I guess we are still not truly independent as we are still a part of the British Commonwealth. Australia was formed as a nation in 1901 but we do not have a day which celebrates that day. 
We celebrate Australia Day here on January 26th which is the day when the white British first landed on Australian soil to permanently settle it. The Aboriginals call it "Invasion Day" and it is a day of mourning and protest for them. I myself as a white person of British heritage certainly see nothing worth celebrating in the one sided slaughter and persecution that we brought upon the Australian Native peoples. 
I guess the one thing to be most proud of about Australia is that it is a large country similar in size to the Unites States with boundless natural beauty, yet we only have 21 million people living here. That gives us lots of space to move. But somehow we still get lots of traffic jams!
We celebrate Australia Day here on January 26th which is the day when the white British first landed on Australian soil to permanently settle it. The Aboriginals call it "Invasion Day" and it is a day of mourning and protest for them. I myself as a white person of British heritage certainly see nothing worth celebrating in the one sided slaughter and persecution that we brought upon the Australian Native peoples.
I guess the one thing to be most proud of about Australia is that it is a large country similar in size to the Unites States with boundless natural beauty, yet we only have 21 million people living here. That gives us lots of space to move. But somehow we still get lots of traffic jams! @debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
6 Jul 12
They tried to make 'Columbus' day a national holiday too. Didn't go over to big. lol
I think it is right and necessary to look objectively at the past and not just through rose colored glasses. But in doing that we should not villify those who came before us unnecessarily either.
I try to look at history objectively. Realizing that none of us are perfect, and that good men often do stupid, wrong or even evil things.
I have many online Australian friends. I'm glad to make you my newest.
@factorial (977)
• Philippines
4 Jul 12
Before, we celebrate our independence (as a republic) on the fourth of July. But it was moved to sixth of June. Now on this day (fourth of July) we celebrate the Philippine American friendship day!
Happy fourth of July!
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
4 Jul 12
Thank you so much factorial. It means a lot to me as an American to know that the whole world is not hating us. It makes me realize that America does have friends around the world. We do share a special relationship with your country. Any my many friends here from your country tell me that they love the USA too. God bless you and the Philippines!
@sherrybelle (707)
• United States
4 Jul 12
I am also blessed to be a US citizen. The 4th of July, for me, is all about the sense of freedom that I enjoy.
I can be a little bit outspoken so it's nice that I have the freedom to express myself.
I love the way that people in the USA take care of each other. We see it on the news and we see it when someone is unemployed and able to receive benefits so their needs are met.
In the 'good ole USA' we see people doing there best to bless each others lives.
Obviously, I'm viewing it all through rose colored glasses.
Did I mention that I could pass on the fireworks?
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
4 Jul 12
America is a special place. We sometimes forget that. But when you look around most of the world today you realize that what we take for granted is not enjoyed by most in the world.
This Independence Day for me is bittersweet. I feel like we're standing on the edge of a cliff. And so many of the rights we have taken for granted are in danger of being taken from us, if not already taken from us.
Americans do take care of one another for the most part. We also have compassion on those who do not enjoy our bounty in other lands. We only become angry when we are told we must, given the chance to give on our own though, and we shine!
I've taken off my 'rose colored' glasses though, there are dangerous times ahead of us. Can we rise to the occasion like our Founders did?
I LOVE fireworks! lol I only hope we do not have to see the real thing again.
