Time for my periodic rant against the use of the term “Fourth Of July” when referring to Independence Day.
The name of the holiday is Independence Day. It is America’s birthday. It celebrates America’s independence. It is an important day – for me, it is the most important holiday.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
So why do most people call it the “Fourth of July?” That is a date, not a holiday.
Consider: nobody says to you “Merry 25th of December!”
Has anyone ever asked if you plan to dress up for “31st of October.” Valentine’s Day – nobody calls it the “14th of February.” And when’s the last time someone asked you if you had plans for the “17th of March?”
I understand that people use nicknames and verbal shortcuts and they become commonplace, and phrases and terms sometimes gradually become widespread, but next time you are about to say “the fourth of July,” just – please – give it a second thought and instead say “Independence Day.”
OK, rant over.
Here’s some video of fireworks around town (not the official city show, just random fireworks):
