Independence Day vs. Fourth of July

As July approaches, I am again disheartened to see the anniversary of our country’s birth regulated to just another day of the month by so many people who call it the “4th of July” instead of “Independence Day”.

Conversely, no one calls "Christmas" “December 25th”, right? Of course not, because the reason for the season is right there in the name! The name, "Christmas" reinforced the meaning.

If we were to use “Independence Day” we would reinforce to each other that it’s not just a day to have barbecue with friends and watch fireworks.

 
Independence Day becomes a day to remember where we came from and what the founders did. It gives us incentive to talk to our kids about what those fireworks represent and how we are a part of the process. Independence Day can be a constant, teachable moment about America that "4th of July" fails to do.