Nothing says the Fourth of July then barbecues and time off and fireworks.

The holiday was always a big deal in my family and it meant sort of a halfway mark on the summer. The next big signpost of the summer was the Labor Day weekend when, it seemed, school began again and summer memories faded away.

The Fourth of July holiday is a special time no doubt but not long ago I realized that I might be mixing the holiday leisure aspect of the event with its serious overtones.

The truth is the Fourth of July holiday is about really one thing: Celebrating our nation’s independence from Great Britain. It marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence — probably the most important mission statement in our nation’s history — and the final break from our colonial overlords.

The Declaration of Independence, of course, touched off a long and bloody war where, in the end, we became the United States.

I admit I never gave that aspect of the holiday much thought. I saw it, and still do to some extent, as a day to kick back and relax. Maybe have a barbecue or chat and visit friends.

Yet the day is more than just another convenient holiday. The day marks a major milestone in our nation’s history. It isn’t just a birthday celebration. Not just a time for fireworks and barbecues. It is a day to remember that once, long ago, a specific group of our forefathers made a very risky decision to break away from Great Britain and go out on their own. We forget those men were brave because they embarked on a long road of woe to collect their independence.

So, will I spend my entire Fourth of July holiday contemplating the actions and motivations of our Founding Fathers? No. But I will give some thought to their commitment and courage. Even as I eat barbecue and watch fireworks light up the sky.

———

As always, if you have comments or questions about the Hermiston Herald, or want to pass along a story idea, send me an email at this address: acutler@eomediagroup.com.

Finally, let me take this opportunity to once again thank the Hermiston Herald subscribers: We simply would be unable to do this vital work without your support.

Andrew Cutler is the publisher of the Hermiston Herald.