The Fourth of July

5th Grade Enrichment: Why we truly celebrate the 4th of July.

On July 3, 2013, Mr. Wronko’s fifth grade enrichment class was treated with a special presentation from well known World War II veteran Lou Parisi. During this presentation Lou Parisi did a remarkable job in giving the students background information about current events in World History, Geography, and Education. He also spoke about his own experiences serving the United States during World War II. From there he explained to the students how important the soldiers are and that the true meaning of the fourth of July is to honor these soldiers fighting for our freedom. Lou Parisi went on to answer numerous questions posed by the students and was very pleased that the enrichment class enjoyed his presentation.

Besides Lou Parisi’s presentation, Mr. Wronko’s fifth grade enrichment students, Etienne Rosselet, Omar Oseguera, and Mia Thompson would like to share their views on why we should truly celebrate the 4th of July.

By Etienne Rosselet

The reason we celebrate the fourth of July is because of our fallen and serving soldiers. These soldiers have fought in the past and many more are still fighting for our country, lives, and freedom so that we can all live in peace. Other countries have dangerous people, such as terrorists, who always try to kill all of us to gain power. But our soldiers would not let that happen. Our soldiers go to war with these terrorists so we can live in a safe environment everyday. Many people will have the 4th of July day off to celebrate as a holiday. During the day some people have barbeques to celebrate and others celebrate at night. They may also go to the beach to look at the fireworks. However, the only way all those things do have meaning is by remembering our soldiers. On this day, we try to give thanks to these soldiers. These soldiers put their life in danger for our safety.

In conclusion, on July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence declared the American colonies free from Great Britain but it also means our brave soldiers who keep our country safe so America can continue that very freedom that started 237 years ago. That’s why we celebrate America.

By Omar Oseguera

We celebrate the fourth of July to remind us about the brave soldiers fighting for our freedom. People mostly think it’s about fireworks and barbeques. But people should really stop to think about what the true meaning of the fourth of July is. Because of these brave men and women who are serving our country, we have the liberty to become a doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc. If it were not for them, all of us would be working under a dictatorship in which we would have no freedom to decide what we want to do with our lives.

I think that the soldiers should be standing somewhere loyal so that they can receive big thanks about joining the army and fighting for our lives. What is sad are all the fallen soldiers who gave their lives for us and the entire country.  Now we must see in our hearts how these people are important to our lives. For example, our flag makes us all proud because it reminds us that during a war or a time of chaos that the American soldiers will be there to protect us. The flag also reminds me of the time the soldiers gave the strength to the country and themselves by raising the flag during the battle of Iwo Jima, which took place in World War II.  As a result, they beat the enemy army, which was at the time Japan, for freedom and justice.
In conclusion, Independence Day to me is honoring our soldiers who protect the country. For instance, after 9/11, our soldiers stepped up to the plate and defended our country so that an event like 9/11 does not happen again. In closing I would like to tell you a fun fact about the fourth of July which is our 30th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, was born on that day.

By Mia Thompson

We should truly celebrate the 4th of July because we have to remember the events that have threatened our freedom. For instance, on 9/11 Osama Bin Laden sent the terrorists to destroy the World Trade Center and the White House. Osama Bin Laden succeeded in destroying the World Trade Center but not the White House. The terrorists’ efforts to destroy the White House failed because of the brave men and women who were on the hijacked plane. A few years later the threat of Osama Bin Laden came to an end because of the Navy Seal Six, who found and killed Bin Laden.

Like the Navy Seal Six, brave men and woman who served our country can be seen throughout history fighting through events that threatened our freedom. For example, on December 7, 1941 Japan attacked Pearl Harbor which brought the United States into World War II. This event threatened America’s freedom. However, the United States as a country survived this event and went on to defeat Japan. In order to defeat the Japanese threat to our freedom, the United States had to endure many battles. One battle with Japan that stands out for me is the battle of Iwo Jima. At the battle of Iwo Jima, American soldiers defeated Japan. During this battle the Japanese were defeating the Americans until the Americans raised the American Flag. Once the flag was raised the Americans defeated the Japanese. That was the sign of freedom. This was the very same freedom that was declared on the fourth of July and the very same freedom we celebrate this very day.
In conclusion, it is ok to watch fireworks and have a barbecue but remember why we can watch fireworks and have a barbeque. It is because of the men and women who fought for and are still fighting for our freedom.
By: Mia Thompson