To me, it’s Independence Day!

Photo credit: JeepersMedia

By: Scott Stein, VP of Client Services, Leonard & Finco Public Relations

For most of us, the 4^th of July, I mean Independence Day, gives us a day away from work and time to spend with family and friends. This year there’s the added bonus that it falls on a Friday creating a long weekend to maybe take in a parade, grill out or watch a fireworks display.

My reference to Independence Day is not by mistake. I try to always refer to it by its proper name so that I don’t forget what the day is really all about. All too often we focus only on our holiday plans or maybe on that great 4^th of July sale that has grabbed our attention.

But Independence Day should be a day that we reflect on the birth of our country. We’ve heard the chants of “U-S-A, U-S-A” at the World Cup matches, but I’ll venture to say that we won’t hear a U-S-A chant on Independence Day.

Looking back 11 score and 18 years ago to July 4, 1776, the United States was a nation of 2.5 million people. (That’s roughly the current population of Chicago.) While much has changed as the U.S. has grown to a nation of nearly 314 million, we continue to have more freedoms and more rights than in other countries. That alone should be something to think about as you grab a burger or a brat and enjoy a cold beverage.

I’d love to tell you that you really should always refer to this holiday as Independence Day. But we live in the United States where it’s important to understand that you’re free to think about this holiday however you want. I would suggest, however, that you consider what happened 238 years ago and give some thought to the real meaning of Independence Day as you pull on your red, white and blue attire and get ready to celebrate with family and friends.