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Stephen R. Covey
Independence Day is one of the most spectacular events in this country. It deeply reinforces the freedoms we enjoy in America, and it couples entertainment and inspiration with a sense of responsibility to preserve those freedoms.
As Americans, we need to be responsible to preserve the ideals on which our country was founded. I believe that the overwhelming majority of Americans recognize that we only preserve our freedom when we use it responsibly -- it's not a privilege we should take lightly, but one we should celebrate.
I love how all of the events in which we participate on July 4th combine together to create magical moments that make me proud to be an American. At the Freedom Festival, for example, you can see children waiting expectantly for the parade, prominent guests and entertainers taking part at the Stadium of Fire and families uniting with a spirit of love and patriotism. They are all participating in this cohesive "Americana" ideal.
Here are a few reasons why, for me, the Freedom Festival is the best place to be on July 4:
• Nowhere else in America do you see a resurgence of the old-time parade like you do in Provo. Over 250,000 people -- patriotic, happy, laughing, celebrating, flag-waving families! These preserved events really touch everyone's hearts.
• I love the underlying spiritual message at the Freedom Festival events that ties our country's founding to spiritual principles. I think America has a special God-given stewardship and responsibility, which is codified in an inspired Constitution that's based upon universal and timeless principles.
• And there is no event quite like the Stadium of Fire. I don't know if there's any other event in America that brings 60,000 people together to celebrate America's freedom quite the way it does. Moreover, to know that the event is being broadcast to our servicemen and women who are fighting for our freedom around the world is a very touching and inspiring thought.
One year at the Stadium of Fire, I remember watching a returning serviceman surprise his wife and children right there on the field. The family was totally shocked, and the event was so emotional it brought almost everyone, including me, to tears. My whole family was overpowered by seeing this family reunited. It's being able to witness that kind of event that, to me, embodies what the Fourth of July and the Freedom Festival is all about -- love of family, love of country and love of God.
• Stephen R. Covey is a Provo resident and a member of the national advisory board for America's Freedom Festival at Provo. |
