How Will You Celebrate the Fourth of July?

As we celebrate the Fourth of July this year we should take at least a few minutes to think about what we are really celebrating. Are we simply enjoying a paid day off or are we actually celebrating the independence of this great country? And make no mistake, America is still the greatest country in the history of the world despite what our politicians, the media, and many of our fellow citizens would have us believe.

Today I read an article that appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer entitled “A Not-So-Glorious Fourth – U.S. Atrocities Are Unworthy of Our Heritage.” In it the author says, and I quote, “This year, America doesn’t deserve to celebrate its birthday. This Fourth of July should be a day of quiet and atonement. For we have sinned. We have failed to pay attention. We’ve settled for lame excuses. We’ve spit on the memory of those who did that brave, brave thing in Philadelphia 232 years ago. The America those men founded should never torture a prisoner. The America they founded should never imprison people for years without charge or hearing.” He goes on to blame the torturers, the government, and you and I. “We were so busy. Soccer practice at 6. A credit card balance to fret. The final vote on Idol. We’ve lost respect. We’ve shamed the memory of Jefferson, Adams and Franklin.” Click here to read the entire article.

I couldn’t disagree with the author more. He has appointed himself judge, jury and executioner and is prosecuting America and its’ citizens because of a single "policy." I think this guy is full of crap but that’s a topic for another conversation.

I believe we have much to celebrate this Fourth of July and I’ve come across a radio address done in 1973 by Gordon Sinclair, a Canadian Radio Commentator, that says why we have much to celebrate better than anything I can say.


Click the play button to watch a 5-minute video of Gordon Sinclair giving his radio address entitled “The Americans.”

Click here for a complete transcript of the radio address.

After reading this transcript or watching an actual broadcast one has to wonder if this was written or recorded in 1973 or just last week. It is amazing to me that 35 years have elapsed yet nothing has changed. In 1973 someone wrote “The aftermath of the Vietnam War resulted in a world-wide sell-off of American investments, prices tumbled, and the U.S. economy was in trouble. The war had also divided the American people, and at home and abroad it seemed everyone was lambasting the United States.” While prices are not tumbling, I think you can see the correlation. Especially after watching the address or reading the transcript.

On the evening of May 15th, 1984, following a regular day’s broadcasting, Gordon Sinclair suffered a heart attack. He died on May 17th. Upon hearing of his death, President of the United States, Ronald Reagan said, “I know I speak for all Americans in saying the radio editorial Gordon wrote in 1973 praising the accomplishments of the United States was a wonderful inspiration. It was not only critics abroad who forgot this nation’s many great achievements, but even critics here at home. Gordon Sinclair reminded us to take pride in our nation’s fundamental values.”

So my challenge to you is to take the 5 minutes to watch and listen to the radio address. Really listen and take a moment to be proud you are an American. Not an African-American, Mexican-American, Asian-American or whatever other politically correct title has been thrown about. Let’s just celebrate being Americans.

Have a safe, fun and happy Fourth of July.

Shawn R Perkins
Your Favorite Lender