Teach kids true meaning of holiday

John Adams, one of only two American presidents to sign the Declaration of Independence, wrote the following to his wife, Abigail, about the Fourth of July:

“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding

generations, as the great

anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of

Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, forever more.”

On Monday, July 4, 2011, we will gather our families to parade the streets of Centre County and illuminate the sky in celebration as President Adams had hoped. But in the midst of celebration, let’s find time to remind our kids that the Fourth of July is not just about eating s’mores and watching fireworks — it’s about appreciating and respecting the freedom and security that we have in this great country thanks to the courage and sacrifice of thousands of Americans over the past 235 years.

ACTION IDEAS:

•Think about what you value most about living in America, and consider sharing that with your kids.

•Ask your kids why we celebrate Independence Day and what living in America means to them.

•Consider adding something new to your typical Fourth of July ritual — a visit to Boalsburg’s memorial grounds or a new patriotic banner for the house— as a way of showing how important this day really is.

The local fathering effort, in cooperation with the National Center for Fathering, provides bi-weekly Action Ideas to stimulate conversation between fathers and parents. For more information, or to join local conversations, contact David Eggebeen at e5x@psu.edu, Mick Trombley at mick@micktrombley.com,