Founder and President
of The Etiquette Factory,
a unique 3-phase etiquette learning system designed to change the world, one child at a time.
Did you know that the Revolutionary War lasted 8 years and 137 days?
Did you know the American Congress was declared traitors by the Crown? Signing the Declaration of Independence was extremely dangerous – a treasonable act, punishable by death. Not one man who signed the Declaration of Independence was born in America. The most famous extract from this document 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.”
Wow! I love revisiting our nation’s history and being reminded of sacrifice, sacred callings and greatness. Sometimes it feels like we’re losing our loyalty to our country, our heritage, our freedom. How do we lose things that are so priceless and important to us? Well, I believe it starts when we stop remembering, stop learning and stop being interested. When was the last time we asked our dad, our grandfather, brother or uncle to share an experience they had while serving our country? When was the last time we read The Constitution? Have we ever read the Declaration of Independence to our children? Parents, we have to keep the spirit of freedom and honor alive in our children by honoring those who have given so much in order to protect our freedoms.
Generations ago, the understood way to give honor to your family and heritage was to live an honorable life. This has not changed; we just don’t talk about it anymore. As we teach our children that living their lives with integrity, honor, respect to country and man and love for the entire human family, our children will be better prepared to continue the legacy of paying tribute to this great nation and the principles that it stands for.
Etiquette plays a role in honoring oneself, one’s family and one’s nation. Allow me to remind us of the definition of etiquette. “Etiquette” is helping those around us to feel valued and comfortable through our words and actions. Whether we like it or not, or whether we mean to or not, we are constantly sending messages to those around us of how we feel about them. How beautiful life would be if each day, our goal was to show value to those we come into contact with. What honor! What greater way to show our gratitude for our life, for our freedom, for this nation but to honor one another each and every day through kind acts of service and words.
It’s really the small things that show our sincere appreciation for the blessings of this country. Here are just a few suggestions:
- Saying, “Thank you for your service” when we see someone in uniform.
- Being reverent when we visit places where lives were sacrificed on behalf of our country.
- Flying and honoring the American Flag on National Holidays and practicing proper flag etiquette.
- Educating our children on our American history and the important milestones our nation has accomplished.
- Making sure we refrain from complaining as this shows an ungrateful heart.
- Taking the time to serve one another from simple smiles as we pass one another on the street to larger acts of service that require time and sacrifice.
- Being a part of the solution. Yes, we have problems. No, this is not a perfect country, but citizens, be a citizen! Get involved. Share your gifts, talents and wisdom to do your part to leave this world a better place. Each of us has such an important role to play. It starts early as we encourage and teach our children to serve their fellowman so they can learn that one person can make a huge difference.
Friends, I hope we find it our duty to continue the legacy of patriotism with our children. If our children do not understand the principles that this country was founded upon, then how will they know when those principles are being threatened? If our children are not taught to reverence sacred historical places and pay tribute to those who have sacrificed for us and the symbols of our nation that represent that sacrifice, then how will they have the love for this country that it takes to defend her. Take an evening or afternoon before July 4th to help your children understand the importance of our nation’s birthday. When you do, you and your family will enjoy July 4th like you have never enjoyed it before. It will become worthy of your celebration.
