What exactly is Independence Day? It is the day we celebrate our breaking away from being an English colony. If you travel in Massachusetts, you see many signs of what the struggles were for our independence. That is the sight of Paul Revere’s Ride. That is where Bunker Hill is located. Here I mention if you are not familiar with these terms you need to go back to our history and research them.

I recall studying about the American Revolution in seventh grade. I had Mrs. Rotunda for a teacher. Each day she would put a part of the story on the blackboard with blanks for us to fill in. We could find the answers if we did not know them in our Social Studies book. I loved doing this but I know that for others it was a bother. To me it was a treat to hear about the brave men who fought for our independence.

My mother took me to historic places. That cemented my history. I recall visiting Fort Ticonderoga in fact there are some old pictures of me at that fort. We saw cannons. We heard the story from some of the reactors. The Boston Tea Party took on new meaning.

Think about being an American. What does that really mean? There is a song originally sung by Lee Greenwood that says “I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I am free.” The title of that song is “God Bless the USA”. I am not sure who wrote that song, but the words are definitely stirring.

Lee Greenwood came to the Warren County Fair. I had done an interview over the phone before he came. I had the chance to meet him backstage. He was a genuinely caring person. I even have a photo with him. My husband teased me about that because he did not make it the fair to see him. Something happened at the farm and he was stuck.

The song begins with the words, “If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life and I had to start again with just my children and my wife I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today ’cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.” That song was written nearly forty years ago and how the United States has changed in that time.

Now, the flag does not get the respect that it once did. If you go to any function where the National Anthem is played you will see all of the men of a certain age standing, removing their hats, and putting their hand over their heart. Today we see athletes kneeling during the song. They have no respect, but of course, they did not put their lives on the line for that flag.

Each year the newspapers print flag etiquette so that it will be treated as it should be treated. People need reminders. The children of today will not learn this if they do not learn it at home.

On a positive note, I saw a delivery man stop at a house with a box to deliver. He set the box down, fixed the flag that was twisted and stood back and saluted it. Someone taught him right.

In school each day began with the pledge of allegiance in every classroom. My kindergarteners loved to be able to hold the flag while we said the pledge. While holding the flag they also got to start the pledge. I think maybe they felt grown up holding the flag. I went through the alphabet to determine whose turn it was. They kept track of when it would be their turn to do this. Now, I do not believe the pledge is recited any more. That is a shame. That was a chance to pass down a piece of history. Now it seems that everyone gets bent out of shape at whatever is done. Give me a break. When you choose to live in America, you should live as an American.

I know several immigrants who are extremely proud that they became Americans. They feel good that they became legal citizens the right way. They do not understand all of the immigration that is happening illegally and these illegals are being helped and welcomed at the detriment of those who are already citizens in many cases.

I had one girl who had to miss a day of school because she was being naturalized. When she came back to school, she shared with her classmates what the day was like for her. I was so pleased that she wanted the share her experience. That was a lesson in democracy for all of us.

As you celebrate the Fourth of July, remember what those ahead of us fought for. Remember their trials and yes, sometimes their failures. It was not all smooth sailing back then just as it is not all smooth sailing today but we celebrate our heritage. If you are an American citizen, this is your Independence Day. You chose this country and should live by its rules.

Ann Swanson writes from her home in Russell, Pa. Contact at hickoryheights1@verizon.net.