Independence Day history lesson (six-year old version)

As I tucked her into bed – for the second time, mind you – Stella asked, "What is the Fourth of July for? I mean, on Easter we celebrate Jesus' death, and on Christmas we celebrate Jesus' birth. On Father's day and Mother's day we celebrate... well, everyone knows what that's for. But what is the Fourth of July for?"

And then it occurred to me: I had not discussed this with her yet. An eminently important holiday in our nation's history, one that has utmost meaning and importance for me personally, and I had failed to begin the process of educating her.

Now, asking me what the Fourth of July celebrates is like asking a die-hard Packer fan to explain who Vince Lombardi was. But it was already after 9:00, and chances are I would lose her if I didn't keep it short and sweet, so that's what I did.

I talked to her about Great Britain and tyrannical government, utilizing euphemisms as necessary.

"You don't like it when people tell you what to do, right?" I asked her. "No," came the prompt reply. "Well neither did many of the British people like their government telling them what to do" I explained to her. This would have to suffice for a six-year old, two-hour past bedtime explanation of "tyranny."

"What's government?" she asked. After a short pause, I opted for the simple explanation over the one I give like-minded friends over a few beers at the weekend barbecue. "Government is the group of people who make all the laws and rules we have to follow," I told her, gritting my teeth. "Working in government is what Daddy is running for right now."

I told her how some of the British came over to America to start new lives, but that the British government still continued to "tell them what to do." So they decided to form their own nation and government, and they wrote a letter called "The Declaration of Independence" explaining to the British government what they were doing and why.

"And that is what we celebrate today – Freedom. Freedom to be who we want to be and do what we want to do. The freedom to live our lives by our own values."

My summation filled my heart with that feeling one can only feel when talking about something they hold so dearly.

But was my daughter feeling the same way? Did she understand what I was saying? She must be, I thought – she's a smart girl. Like father like daughter, right?

A moment later I got my answer: "But will the fireworks keep me awake all night?" she queried.

Alas, you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink. But let's face it; she is, after all, only six. And the fact is, she (sadly) now knows more about the history behind the holiday than many adult citizens. I had done my fatherly duty, and I had taught. It's a lesson I shall teach again – and again, and again, and again.

It's a lesson that is not taught often enough these days – in our schools, in our homes, or in our government. Fireworks are pretty, and a day off of work is nice. But that only lasts a day, a weekend at most. Freedom lasts a lifetime, even generations – if we have the courage and wisdom to retain it.