As we celebrate our Independence Day on Saturday, going with whatever day the 4th lands on, I respectfully raise the possibility that a wiser course would be to simply use the first Monday in July to celebrate our independence. Now to be perfectly honest, this is not my original idea. I’m simply running with the idea I hear every year from my friend Joel, and I’m now ready to make the case.
The case is built around the obvious point that, religious holidays aside, this is our most important holiday. Without it (our independence) taking place, the world would be much different. Without the Declaration of Independence, there would have been no Constitution and Bill of Rights, none of many of the things we as Americans take such pride in. That means it deserves more than just a day but a long weekend and every year.
There is no historical reason for celebrating on the 4th. The second of July would have been maybe best but several dates later could have been chosen. The final signatures were not placed on the document until well into August.
Making it the first Monday in July would have huge advantages. Scheduling would be more sane and efficient for much of the business community. Families would have a long weekend break in the summer when more families could take advantage. But, most importantly, the focus would be on independence rather than just a day on the calendar.
Making this change would not be historic. Look at all the other national holidays where we use common sense. Memorial Day, Labor Day, President’s Day, MLK Day, for example, are always on a Monday. But for the record, may I add, I will not be back later suggesting changing Christmas or New Years, which for different reasons have a strong case for the status quo. Give it some thought. We could be on to the next great idea.
The case is built around the obvious point that, religious holidays aside, this is our most important holiday. Without it (our independence) taking place, the world would be much different. Without the Declaration of Independence, there would have been no Constitution and Bill of Rights, none of many of the things we as Americans take such pride in. That means it deserves more than just a day but a long weekend and every year.
There is no historical reason for celebrating on the 4th. The second of July would have been maybe best but several dates later could have been chosen. The final signatures were not placed on the document until well into August.
Making it the first Monday in July would have huge advantages. Scheduling would be more sane and efficient for much of the business community. Families would have a long weekend break in the summer when more families could take advantage. But, most importantly, the focus would be on independence rather than just a day on the calendar.
Making this change would not be historic. Look at all the other national holidays where we use common sense. Memorial Day, Labor Day, President’s Day, MLK Day, for example, are always on a Monday. But for the record, may I add, I will not be back later suggesting changing Christmas or New Years, which for different reasons have a strong case for the status quo. Give it some thought. We could be on to the next great idea.
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