What do YOU say?
By Marie Anne
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
United States
July 4, 2009 1:31pm CST
I've been inundated with advertisements trying to sell me something for that perfect barbecue, and untold number of emails, private messages, instant messages that wish me a "Happy 4th of July".
Huh? What is so special about July 4th? Why don't be celebrate the rest of July - the 6th, 7th, or even the 10th (which happens to be my birthday!)?
July 4th happens to be the date we, in the United States of America, have chosen to celebrate our independence from the 'mother country' across the pond.
Please call it what it is - Independence Day.
We don't say "Merry December 25th" do we?
4 people like this
11 responses
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
4 Jul 09
That's an excellent point! Independence Day would remind people what it's all about. Unfortunately days as sacred as this one, Memorial Day and Veterans Day have become excuses for barbecues. People no longer think of them as days of observance, but "holidays".
Thanks to people like you, we can observe these special days any way we like--or not honor them at all. Thank you for your service.
And happy birthday early! 
2 people like this
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
4 Jul 09
Why thank you dear lady.
It's true, all everyone thinks about is 'great! I have a 3-day weekend coming up'.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
4 Jul 09
Oh my, I had a little time and visited your blog--horrors! I'll pray that you get this mess behind you quickly--it seems to me that several laws had to have been broken to sell you a house in that condition. Non-disclosure of all that should void the contract, I would think. Anyway, you'll be in my prayers!
2 people like this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
5 Jul 09
People always ask "Are you doing anything for the 4th?" But you're right, it is Independence Day, we should call it what it is.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (47724)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
4 Jul 09
Well, happy Independence Day to you.
We here in Canada celebrated Canada Day on the First. It used to be called Dominion Day.
2 people like this
@doryvien (2284)
• United States
5 Jul 09
Here in the Philippines we used to celebrate our Independence Day on the 4th of July, as the country has been an American colony for some time. Eventually it was changed to June 12, a date that commemorates an event that has more meaning to the locals. It's just sad that the present generation no longer understands the reason for celebrating significant days like this one but rather perceive it as just another day to have fun.
1 person likes this
@gadget_lover (132)
• India
5 Jul 09
Yes I totally agree with you. Instead of greeting with the occation, it is not fair to mention just the date and month.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (161010)
• United States
6 Jul 09
People lose focus of what holidays really celebrate. If we were to believe all the adds July 4 just might be national barbecue day, instead of Independence Day. I like that you are helping others remember why we are celebrating on July 4.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
5 Jul 09
I know what you mean and where you are coming from on this issue. I have used both terms before. I am guilty of it. I know it is Independence day though, but the 4th of July, brings about fireworks and we do celebrate it because of Independence day too.
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
5 Jul 09
Um, Steph? What do you think the fireworks are supposed to be in celebration of?
It's not a separate thing, or at least it shouldn't be.
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
5 Jul 09
Hi ldyjarhead,
You are funny and yes I do agree with you, they asked for their independence but why are we the non Americans wish them this day? but really its just wishing them on a special day for them thats all and Happy Birthday for the 10th my dear and hope you will have a lovely day, hugs.
Tamara
@kitty_jun01 (13)
• United States
5 Jul 09
Lol. I get your point. Well, Happy Independence Day to you. Haha. I am sorry we Americans make no sense whatsoever. :)
