What Does the 4th of July Mean to You?

For many, the 4th of July is a day to celebrate being free. But for many it is a hard day to celebrate because they do not feel free, even today.

In 1776, it was only white men that were truly free. For many, the 4th of July really doesn’t mean freedom. For example:

• Women didn’t get the right to vote until 1920 and in many ways are still fighting for rights. For example, fighting for the right to make their own decisions about their bodies.

• African Americas were not free from slavery until 1865; had to fight for Civil Rights in the 1960s and continue to fight to be treated as equals today.

• Native Americans become victims of having their land stolen, their people massacred and their culture on their brink of elimination due to the U.S being established as a country.

That is just some of the ways that celebrating the 4th of July can be difficult. For many they see the state of the country and worry about the future and see nothing that can be celebrated.

I write this to hopefully help others learn, or remind others how difficult this day can be.

Below I have shared some things that I found on social media that help explain why 4th of July is a difficult holiday for many and raises some questions to think about.