Last Monday was Independence Day, but for some Americans it was just an excuse to miss work.
There was a time when Independence Day was a glorious celebration of our country’s independence. The holiday seems to have lost its significance in more recent years. Besides, have we really held true to what our forefathers envisioned when they formed this country? With 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, it seems as if we have strayed away from what they had originally foreseen.
What did you do on Independence Day? For most of us, we did very little. It might as well have been any other day off in July. However, there are those who kept the patriotic spirit of the holiday in mind. For example, at Wardwell Home there was a flag ceremony by local Boy Scout Troop 310 of Saco and let’s not forget the fireworks in Old Orchard Beach. I think the 4th of July should be a day of remembrance and celebration of our forefathers who risked it all to create this new country.
Independence Day celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, one of the most important documents in American history. However, for me it goes a little farther than that. I think the holiday also commemorates all of those who have and continue to serve this country. Whether they be our founding fathers, soldiers or town clerks, these people have made a commitment to the United States just as our forefathers did in 1776. They all should be recognized. Anyone who helps to better our country is worthy of thanks. They are the living legacy of people like Benjamin Franklin and General George Washington. I think that if they could see how many people are devoted to their country, they’d be very pleased.
However, this isn’t John Hancock’s country anymore. With 27 amendments, the country has surely changed. Now I’m not saying that there is anything wrong with amendments. If it weren’t for constitutional amendments, women wouldn’t have the right to vote and slavery would still be legal. On the other hand, there are a lot of laws that do limit the economic power of the United States. I do not think that anyone back in the 1700s could’ve even conceived the thought of Social Security or welfare. The major reason we split away from England was taxation without representation. Today it seems we can’t go a day without paying some kind of tax, on even the smallest things such as gasoline. How many of us really know where our tax money is being spent? Is this really the nation they meant to create?
When was the last time you voted? Only 58 percent of registered Maine voters voted in the 2010 general election, according to maine.gov. Think about how different the results could’ve been. The results could’ve been drastically different if all of Maine’s registered voters cast ballots. I think our founding fathers intended for all of us to vote, that way we have people representing us who will make the right decisions. In March it was reported that Gov. Paul LePage’s approval rating was only 43 percent. If you are really that unhappy with him, then how did he get in office? I blame the people who didn’t vote. There’s no excuse for it. If you really can’t get to the polls then order an absentee ballot. It’s as easy as calling the town clerk.
We still celebrate the Fourth of July, as we should. However, more of us need to celebrate. If you live in this country you are forever in debt to those who fought for this country, and all of those who have and continue to serve it. We need to remember what kind of country our forefathers wanted, and we need to work hard to reach their goal for a truly free country. And never forget, there are people who gave up everything to come and live in America.
— Timothy Morris is a student at Thornton Academy who is active with Thornton Academy television station and will be writing this column for the Journal Tribune through the summer.
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