Happy Independence Day…Or is it Happy 4th of July?

So today is July 4th, and I am so proud to be an American. Get ready…You are about to enter the world according to Susie. Here goes: On July 4th, do you say, “Happy Independence Day” or “Happy 4th of July”? I know this may seem silly, but it’s a declaration about which I have an opinion. Recognize this is only my opinion. I support the first amendment right you have to totally disagree with me. No judgement from me…

If you do an online search of “Holidays in 2018”, you may see that July 4, 2018 is listed as “Independence Day”. Yet I am faced daily with people declaring, “Happy 4th of July!” So why am I obsessed with saying, “Happy Independence Day”? Truthfully, I have no idea. Except maybe:

“In Congress, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Referenced: (https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript)

I think my obsession relates to the fact that July 4, 1776 is more than a date…It is a belief. Our forefathers fought for our independence. The date is important, however I feel the philosophy is critical. This is unrelated to the current struggles we are facing with immigration. I just don’t want to forget that they fought for us to be free.

So “Happy Independence Day” or “Happy 4th of July”! Whatever you choose to say, use this day to celebrate the joyous wonder it is to be an American. Have fun, be safe, and celebrate!

Stay Groovy…

–Susie