As we celebrate this holiday with time away from work (as if physicians truly have time from the emergencies that abound), picnics, parades and awed by firework displays, let us think of what July 4th represents.
4th of July
The date itself is a symbol of freedom, whether it is from persecution, starvation, slavery. It represents joy and hope, a way to fulfill our dreams.
But why this date?
On July 4th, 1776, America started an insurrection against the king of England who had levied a set of taxes and policies that not only hindered trade and economic growth, but also failed to give representation in Parliament, which violated rights as English subjects in the colonies.
For 9 years, all appeals to England were futile and so committees were formed in 1772, exploring options for our own Congress.
The first Continental Congress met in 1774. The following year, 1775, our Congress was declared traitorous. British troops, sent to quell the uprising met resistance from the colonial militia and the Revolutionary War started.
Fighting lasted until 1781, when America claimed victory and in 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed acknowledging America as an independent nation.
On July 4th, 1776, America boldly proclaimed to the entire world that we would no longer consider ourselves subjects of the British Empire.
The text of our Declaration of Independence was finished and approved the same day.
Declaration of Independence
Our Declaration of Independence stands as one of the most profound documents ever written.
Many believe that the most famous line from the Declaration of Independence is . . . .
“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.”
Unalienable Rights
These are considered the most powerful words in American history for many people and what the founding fathers fought for- and what they wanted the meaning of Independence to be. The idea provocatively asserted that the rights listed are not now, nor have they ever been, granted by the throne, the Parliament, or any other ruling body of mankind’s making.
This hard fought freedom, our Independence Day is what we hold dear and the true meaning of the 4th of July.
American Flag
The American flag, also known as Old Glory, or Stars and Stripes, has 13 alternating red and white horizontal stripes and a blue rectangle with 50 five-pointed stars representing the 50 states of the United States of America. The 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Originally there were 13 stars in a circle for these brave colonies.
Bald Eagle
The Bald eagle,represents freedom since he lives on mountain tops in solitary grandeur of Nature, with the unfettered choice of swooping down into valleys or soaring upward into the boundless skies. The eagle was selected as the emblem of the USA due to its great strength, long life span and majestic looks. In 1782, it was thought to only exist in North America. On the American seal, the eagle has a breast shield with thirteen perpendicular red and white stripes, and a blue field with 13 stars. In his right talon the eagle holds an olive branch, in his left a bundle of thirteen arrows, and in his beak he carries a scroll inscribed with the motto: “E Pluribus Unum.”
American Bison (aka Buffalo)
Like the Gloria Gaynor song, Bison say “I will survive”. Despite the atrocities bestowed upon them by hunters, they remain and now thrive, having the strength to overcome. The Bison stands for an indomitable spirit with an inner show of power and thundering hooves of the herd, showing its reign. This is why it is an American symbol and given a place of honor on the nickel.
“We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience.”
Logo
Just as the symbols above represent this wonderful country and all that it stands for, consider having symbols or logos that work the same way for you. If you haven’t thought about it before, consider it now; it is all part of branding. After all, as a physician or health provider, don’t you perform a great service for this country as well?
Contact Barbara@TheMedicalStrategist.com and ask for a free branding consultation.
Happy Independence Day!
