Wrapping up this past weekend’s festivities gives us space to reflect on what the fourth of July stands for, and how we can celebrate veterans and uplift fellow Americans with less freedoms. Army Officer Heather Jackson gives her advice on how we can respectfully celebrate and reflect on this very important holiday.
- Show Gratitude
Our country is founded on our collective freedom and the sacrifices others have made so that we can live freely. An easy way to show your respect and gratitude would be to tell anyone you know in the armed services, or someone you see in uniform that you thank them for their service. This might seem obvious, but just this small act of kindness can really uplift someone’s spirits.
- Count Your Blessings
It’s easy to lose sight of the blessings in our lives. We live in a society that pushes us to dream bigger, desire more, spend more, and not be happy in the present moment. It’s easy to forget that most of us have a roof over our heads, food in our kitchens, our health, and our friends and family members. Take a few moments to reflect on the things you are grateful for in your life, because not everyone around the world enjoys the same level of freedoms as we do.
- Speak Up
In the United States, it is believed that freedom does not come free. This can be seen in our country’s history, but also in our country today. There are many Americans who do not have equal rights and privileges to other Americans, and it is our responsibility to speak up for those who don’t have the same level of freedoms as us. This can be done through joining social causes you believe in, sharing information on social media, and by acting upon any mistreatment of people you might see.
The fourth of July brings up different feelings and emotions to all who observe this holiday, so find a moment to reflect on the beautiful blessings you have been offered and how you can pay those blessings forward.