July 2020 Articles

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Just Rambling July 2020:

Just Rambling July 2020: This month I thought I would ask my daughter-in-law, Jenny Bennett, to write my “Just Rambling”. I think she has done a good job. I hope you enjoy it. Jenny’s husband and our son, Cody, wrote several articles for me many years ago when he was teaching in Germany. Jenny and Cody now live in Manhattan, New York, teaching in private schools there. We look so forward to seeing them this July, when they come home for a visit.
When I think of the 4th of July, I’m reminded of cookouts with my family while growing up in Atlanta. We would sit on the back porch while Dad grilled burgers and hot dogs for our friends and family. Sometimes my brother, cousins, and I would play in a sprinkler in the backyard, as long as Mom said it was okay! After dinner, we’d walk down the street for the fireworks show, carrying soft blankets and coolers full of sodas and snacks. The police department would close the streets to traffic, so we could sit in the middle of the road and enjoy the red, white, and blue fireworks above our heads.

Of course, we know that Independence Day is about so much more than carefree cookouts in the backyard. We know the history – that on July 4th, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. A young United States faced many challenges, and eventually formed the Constitution and our Bill of Rights. These gave us many freedoms and rights, such as our freedom of speech and religion, and the right to bear arms and trial by jury. Our country would continue to encounter many challenges - surviving a horrible Civil War that tore our states and families apart; freeing people who had been enslaved for generations; expanding voting rights to include women and people of all races; and fighting in World War I and II. We have flaws as a country, but we have always stayed united when faced with adversity, and we strive to improve and get better over time.

Right now, our country is going through many challenges. Just in this new year alone, we have seen COVID19 and protests for increased awareness of racial injustice. Politics has also gradually become more snippy and mean-spirited. It is difficult for me, personally, to listen to news related to our government because the language is so hateful. It is important that we remember that we are all Americans; no matter our background, where we live, or what we look like, we all cherish our traditions of freedom, liberty, and justice for all. On this 4th of July, I’m looking forward to seeing my family in New Orleans, and then visiting my husband Cody’s family in Spearsville. I’ll use the holiday to reflect on how important it is for all Americans to stay united and to look after each other, including our fellow citizens who are in need of support, care, and love. I hope you and your families enjoy a safe and celebratory Independence Day!