It's officially fourth of July for all of my American followers today. And I hope that all of you are going to take some time today to unplug, enjoy some time with family and friends, eat some yummy food, watch the beautiful fireworks, and just appreciate the freedom that so many have sacrificed to protect.
Some Traditions My Family Enjoys on this Holiday
We love family traditions. Whether passed down from generation to generation or ones that we've started up new with our new family. Because they have the ability to transform some regular days into memory filled ones that will last for years, and maybe even generations to come. And spending some personal time with family and friends this Independence Day is a great way to start or continue some traditions with creativity and fun!
Waking up to get dressed up in festive colors of red, white, and blue.
Sitting in my mother-in-law's front yard (or outside our tent when camping) to watch the fireworks in every direction. Also letting off some sparklers.
Deck out the kids with glow-in-the dark bracelets.
Spend some time in nature, usually going out for a little hike, ride bikes, get in some water, or just explore.
Decorating some themed cookies from Biggest Little Cookie Co. , barbecuing up some delicious food, and roasting marshmallows over the fire pit.
Teach our kids some things to love about America (see below - our kids are too young but I like teaching older family member kids and look forward to teaching ours one day).
Ways to Teach Your Children to Love America
I understand that this may be a touchy subject for families right now with the recent events, but today is a great day to explain to your children that things that DO make our country so special.
Our flag. The next time you spot an American flag, point it out. Or even bring out one of your own. Explain to them that the flag represents our whole country and that it is one way that we can tell the rest of the world who we are as people. While also showing us, as Americans, that we are all connected to each other - all on the same team. Because our flag is something that is special that should be treated with respect. Then point out that the 50 stars stand for the 50 states and that the 13 stripes stand for the original 13 British colonies.
Our pledge. If your child is in school, they may already know how to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. But even if they do, they may not know exactly what they're saying. So explain to them that the pledge is a promise. A promise in which we are giving our loyalty (allegiance) to our country - which the flag stands for - because we are given the ability to be in a place where we can decide who our leaders will be (republic), where everyone stands together (indivisible), and where our goal as people is to be free (liberty) and treated fairly (justice).
Our National Anthem. Explain that it is our country's song that we should sing to show that we are proud to be American. A signal of our respect in which we usually stand for. Then share the story of it: In that a poet named Francis Scott Key wrote it in time of war in 1812 as he saw that our flag still stood waving proudly as the British bombarded Baltimore. Meaning that we still had our freedom while defending our young country.
Our Independence Day. You don't necessarily have to wait until today to let the fourth of July meaning be declared. Explain to them that it is a day in which a group of patriots in 1776 declared our independence from other countries. Which lead to the American winning the Revolutionary War in 1783 for our entitlement of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!
Our communities. Point out to them their home and community as they are the most real and important parts of what America means to them. Because as kids grow and learn, they begin to form their lives around how they fit into their family and how their family also fits into their community and country. You can take them for a walk around the neighborhood to talk about the values shared within the community. You can show them the ways in which people come together to work in order to keep the community running.
Our protectors. I think that the biggest comfort for kids is just having the knowledge that there are people who have a job that specifically is to protect and help them. Which can make them feel confident that no matter who or where these people may be, that they are keeping us all safe.
Our Presidents. Talk to them about what our most important presidents have done for the country. Also explaining that a presidential term runs for four years by pick of voting that "we, the people" are in charge of.
Our rights. America is special because we have such amazing rights that give us our freedom. Explain to them how you and they may use their rights when they pray (or not), read the paper, and say what they think. Enlightening the ones that they may find important to help you see what they value and open up some conversation. Also let them know that these very freedoms are the things defined in the U.S. Constitution and it's amendments - especially in the Bill of Rights (the first ten).
Our responsibilities. Try to connect the country to a family. Explaining how everyone must pitch in as member of the country (citizen) to go to school, vote, obey the law, and pay taxes. Explaining that it is much more than following the law to be a good citizen, but also doing what you can to help others while keeping your community safe and clean.
Our people. Talk about how in America, we share a common idea - that people should have certain freedoms. Something that has inspired many of people from around the world to come to the country and become Americans. Something that they should be proud of. Helping them to also understand that although we may come from different places, we all are Americans.
Ways to Support U.S. Troops and Families
To contact the troops, the U.S. Department of Defense is asking that you not to send letters or packages that are not addressed to a specific service member.
You may use Operation Dear Abby to send e-mail messages to some deployed troops of any service from the comfort of your home.
You can contribute to the purchases of care package of items requested by troops through Operation USO Care Package.
You can purchase phone cars through Operation Uplink to be distributes to military personnel and hospitalized veterans.
To support military family members, you may offer up some time and resources as an individual, organization, or business to be able to give families of deployed troops some help with activities or specialized skills. Which can all happen by volunteering at a local chapter of any of these organizations:
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