As we gather with family and friends to celebrate our nation’s freedom, let us not forget to stop and count our blessings. We live in such a great nation! While baseball, hotdogs and lemonade are important, let us not forget the why of this special holiday. Take time to focus on the real meaning of Independence Day and not just on the symbols around it. In today’s blog post, I’ll discuss the importance of July 4th as well as some tips for creating a meaningful holiday as a family. Finally, I’ll share how you can enroll in my etiquette classes for kids here in Dallas.
Why Celebrate Independence Day?
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock are only a few of the men who gathered to discuss and form these United States. As these men met together, they prayed and stood together with a common desire to form a country based on freedom and faith in God. Freedom is not neat and tidy – it comes with a price. Our forefathers worked tirelessly and sacrificed for many of the freedoms we now enjoy. Let’s be thankful for them today!
Etiquette Tips for a Meaningful Fourth of July
- Teach your children to respect the American flag. Tell them the story of Betsy Ross and how she made the flag.
- Remember flag etiquette. The American flag should be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset.
- Strive for positive, respectful interactions with family and friends.
- Don’t forget to thank your local firemen and police officers. Support them and show gratitude to them for their service to your community.
- Take time to thank all military service members in your community. Talk to your children about family members who served in the armed forces. Share with your children about the sacrifices that were made for their freedom.
- Make sure your children know about each of the different military branches – Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard.
- Take time this weekend to connect with neighbors, family and friends. Appropriate greetings include eye contact, a smile, a handshake or even saying “Hello” or “Happy Fourth of July”. Connect with them and celebrate the glorious day we became a nation.
- Sing patriotic songs with your children. I can still remember my Dad singing Yankee Doodle and God Bless America. These memories will remain in my heart forever.
- Teach your children how to salute as a fun activity.
- In your daily life, work on speaking with respect and honor for the United States. We live in a wonderful country!
- Have your family gather and make a list of symbols that remind them of America. For example, The White House, The Statue of Liberty, The Lincoln Memorial, Mount Rushmore, the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. and the flag. Discuss the elected officials in your town and state as well as in our nation.
- If able, travel to visit your state capital or to Washington D.C.
- Wear red, white and blue to show patriotism.
- Make sure all of your family members can state the Pledge of Allegiance.
What a feeling of excitement it is for me to celebrate this patriotic holiday each year. How thankful I am to be an American! Happy July 4th.
Celebrate Good Manners in Dallas at Lisa’s Etiquette Classes for Kids
Lisa Burdette, offers etiquette training for adults and children in Dallas. She has trained in London and Paris and has experience with teaching social graces, business etiquette and table manners / dining etiquette. Her private and group etiquette classes for kids and business professionals have helped many individuals with increasing their self-confidence.
For more information or to request a custom etiquette session for your child, contact Lisa via her Contact page or Book Online today!
