Closed for the holiday, the sign read. One of the 10 biggies, when most of the country stops and reflects. The short list of holidays is composed of a few birthdays, a couple of discovery days and other important events. We are supposed to stop our daily activities and reflect on them. One could argue that each one is the most important, from the birth of Christ, to celebrating freedom. But more than long weekends, our holidays help us to pause from our daily routines and breathe.
All of our holidays are really all about selfless sacrifice. From Jesus giving up his life for our sins, to our soldiers giving up theirs for our physical freedom, we pause to remember that many have gone before us to allow us to be all we can be. Where would we be today if Columbus or Dr. King hadn't taken chances? Or if workmen didn't stand up for their rights or Washington decided that it was too damn cold at Valley Forge?
So often we fail to enjoy the freedom that we have. Not the choice between burgers or beaches, but the choice to live our lives without our self-imposed woulda, coulda, shouldas, or even worse, the I can'ts. We close our minds and hearts to the freedom to feel happiness, joy, and love. We want to push that responsibility outward, as if the world is responsible for our happiness. Although we can be thankful to others for providing the opportunity, it is up to us exercise our freedom. Choices not taken are not really choices. Not only should we be grateful for others' sacrifices, we should seize every moment and live life to the fullest. Because it's more than sacrifice; it's achievement. It's what those that have gone before us held in their hearts for each of us.
So perhaps today should declare your own personal independence day. The day when you say "no more will I suffer the burdens that I impose on myself." I will free myself from doubt, from oppression, from negativity. Today can be the first day to be all you can be. Raise your flag and let it unfurl in the wind. Your star-spangled banner is still there. Tell everyone: "Today, I am free."
And don't forget the fireworks!