by Mary Bubbins

Created on: June 26, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2008

How can you not love Independence Day? How can you not want to celebrate and bask in the glory of the freedom that this day gave us when the Declaration of Independence was written and signed? How can you not know what this day is and means to you personally? These were the questions fluttering through my mind as I asked member's of my community what Independence Day meant to them. So many did not care while others did not know what it was. For a day that means so very much to me, it was a hard reality to grasp.

I knew before writing this article that to have a proper perspective on this topic, I would need to ask my fellow Americans how they felt about the day that is the essence of our country. While I consider myself to be a fairly educated person, I am not an expert on the feelings of those around me. Who am I to speak for everyone else? So the following are the words, verbatum, of those in my community. This is what Independence Day means to them.

"Personally, nothing. Firecrackers, fireworks- that's about it. I have become so disillusioned by the corruption and capitalism of the government that it means nothing to me." -Linda

"One word; freedom. That one word says it all." -Jim

"Time to cook out with my family, another day off from work. That's about it." - Derek

"Independence Day is the backbone of our country. It stands for our military and it's a time to remember the fallen soldiers." -Charles

"Independence Day? Uh, I really don't know." -Chose to remain anonymous

"Freedom, fireworks." -Jason

"What's Independence Day?" -Chose to remain anonymous

The last response made my head spin. The worst part? It was an adult who asked me that. When I first began my journey as a "roving reporter", I really expected people to respond with heartfelt words of loyalty to those who have fought so hard for all of us. I expected that there would be more who felt as I do about this extraordinary day. Much to my chagrin, I received more "huh's?", "what's?", and "I don't know's", than I did actual answers.

I came away from this experience having learned one thing. Our generation is suffering from a lack of appreciation. They give not a second thought to those who have died for them. They think not of those who continue to place themselves in danger everyday so that they may sleep in a blanket of security. Their thoughts and prayers do not include the children who have lost parents on the front line in the name of freedom. For most, Independence Day is a time of celebration,

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