By Melody Brunson
Washington Times-Herald
WASHINGTON —
Wow! Fourth of July weekend is here, and we couldn’t have asked our Creator for a more beautiful week of weather to begin the celebration.
Friends and family are getting together all across America to enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, apple pie and, of course, fireworks. Amid all the red, white and blue, we should pause to remember exactly what it is we are celebrating. It really is more than just a long weekend.
Independence Day commemorates the Continental Congress’ adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. When Thomas Jefferson wrote the document, it was a formality stating that the 13 American colonies were no longer part of the British Empire and would become free and independent states.
Therefore, we celebrate the Fourth as the birthday of America and our freedom. And, I think the older I get, the more I realize our freedoms shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Did you know the First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University recently did a study that said 39 percent of Americans can’t name even one freedom listed in the First Amendment?
First, I am thankful we have the freedom to worship where and with whom we want. My family can go to church, pray, and learn from the Gospel without fear of being arrested or going to jail.
And, I’m grateful for free speech. It’s what gives Montgomery resident Marty Sellers the right to question the way county government works. Every arm of the government needs a watchdog and a Marty.
And, if we wish, we can peacefully assemble ourselves to protest abortion at the Bloomington Planned Parenthood. Or, we can picket outside local factories in a quest for higher wages or better working conditions.
We can petition the government for a “redress of grievances,” according to the Constitution. In other words, as environmentalists or farmers, if we oppose Interstate 69 being built through our county, we can tell Gov. Mitch Daniels what we think. Or, with freedom of the press, if we support it, we can express that through Letters to the Editor in the newspaper.
Speaking of newspapers, think of the thousands of publications nationwide (and now, also online), where words are written to inform the public, and editorials can question government action or votes by elected officials. Freedom of the press gives newsrooms all across the county that “watchdog” capability without free of retribution.
It’s not just a gigantic birthday party folks! It’s a celebration of freedom!
nMelody Brunson looks forward to a week of vacation with her family. At least one night you will find them catching fireflies on the back deck, sipping homemade cookies and cream milkshakes. E-mail her at mbrunson@washtimesherald.com.
