National holidays unite citizens

Loory: The July 4th parades have passed by, the barbecue fires have gone out, the fireworks are gone, and the Declaration of Independence will not be looked at again for a while by most people. In the United States, Independence Day involves a great outpouring of patriotism, a recommitment to the honor of the nation, a recognition of the joy of family and friends and a holiday of relaxation from the rigors of everyday life. Americans think of Independence Day as a once-a-year happening. However, it is not only a U.S. holiday. Just about every day of the year somewhere on our planet is a day to celebrate a national holiday. National holidays are celebrated for many reasons. Sometimes they mark the achievement of independence, as does July 4th. Sometimes they celebrate the day of a religious figure, as does St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland. Sometimes they mark the birthday of a monarch and sometimes they mark the overthrow of a monarch. It is enlightening to take a look at national holidays around the world. With the U.S. at war in Iraq and Afghanistan, what are the country’s commitments to traditional values on this July 4th?