Liberty Is Everywhere

Good morning, and happy (belated) American Independence Day!

Last Saturday, our family celebrated our nation by eating delicious grilled food and watching a fireworks show late into the night. As the clear night grew darker, the world felt just a little more magical, especially when the fireworks began. After a fun-filled day, I went to bed ecstatic… and woke up exhausted!

To me, the 4th of July is synonymous with summer. It tastes like hamburgers and dill pickles, smells like bug spray and green grass, sounds like laughter echoing into the sky, and feels warm and balmy hours after the sun has set. However, the holiday’s true significance goes beyond anything I could ever comprehend. It symbolizes a struggle for liberty, political rights and ultimately independence. The United States of America itself got its start over 200 years ago on this day. How amazing that we still celebrate this important transition from colony to country even today!

My fascination with the roots of this holiday gave way to a question: how do other countries celebrate their independence days? Not every country was formed in this way, but I knew for certain that there were at least 6 out there to choose from. Sure enough, I was able to discover a number of beautiful traditions and celebrations from across the globe. Patriotism is nonexclusive. Liberty is everywhere. So, this morning, let’s dare to explore it!

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Country #1: Cambodia

(Photo "Cambodia '08 - 027 - Phnom Penh Independence Monument" by mckaysavage is licensed under CC BY 2.0)

November 9th marks Cambodia’s independence day as far back as 1953, when the country was granted independence from France after more than 80 years under French rule. In 1941, 19 year old Prince Norodom Sihanouk was appointed king of Cambodia by the French government. As World War II raged on and the country of France was weakened considerably, the Japanese supported the young king in declaring his country’s independence from France four years later. A movement swept across the country, and eventually the French government granted full independence to Cambodia. The newly freed Cambodians established a constitutional monarchy, with King Sihanouk ruling as head of state with the help of an elected parliament. Today, the citizens of Cambodia celebrate this important day in their history with ceremonies in their capital of Phnom Penh. The current king as well as other government officials are always in attendance. A ceremonial victory flame is lit from inside the stunning Independence Monument in the center of the city, which burns for a total of three days. Afterward, pigeons and balloons are released into the sky to symbolize Cambodia’s freedom. Parades with brightly colored floats are held throughout the country, as well as galas and parties later in the night. 

For more information, as well as photos of the most recent celebration, visit this webpage: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-11/09/c_138542144.htm

Country #2: India

(Photo "Flying Kites from Rooftops" by premasagar is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)

India’s independence day is next month on August 15th! This day marks the establishment of India and Pakistan as independent countries in 1947, as they were freed from the rule of the British monarchy and the English East India Company. The Indian Independence Movement can be traced as far back as 1857, when riots for freedom spread across the country. However, one of the most prominent figures of this movement was an advocate of nonviolent protest and did not appear until the 1920s. Mohandas K. Gandhi, sometimes referred to as “Mahatma” (which means “the great-souled one” in the Hindu liturgical language of Sanskrit), led several country-wide boycotts of British manufacturers, companies, and institutions. He encouraged civil disobedience to peacefully defy of British rule. On August 15th, 1947, both India and Pakistan became independent countries and British forces retreated from the area. The newly established Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, gave his iconic “Tryst with Destiny” speech to usher in a new era of freedom for the people of India during this time. To celebrate independence day in India, families there fly kites, often featuring the colors of India’s flag: green, orange, and white. Following in Prime Minister Nehru’s footsteps, the current Prime Minister addresses the people each independence day after the Indian flag is raised above the Red Fort in Delhi.

Read the full text of Prime Minister Nehru’s beautiful speech on this American Rhetoric page: https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/jawaharlalnehrutrystwithdestiny.htm

Country #3: Korea

(Photo "Korean Friendship Bell" by Craig Tumblison is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Both North and South Korea celebrate a shared National Liberation Day on August 15th. Though the date marks India’s independence day as well, Koreans gained their liberation two years prior, in 1945. Because Korea was considered a colony of Japan, the people there were denied their own government system, military, and cultural development. Additionally, suspected activists were tortured into submission and the Korean populace were often treated inhumanely by Japanese forces. Secretly, Korean patriots gathered in hopes of resisting Japanese rule and encouraging their people to form a national identity. After nearly 40 years of oppression, the United States and Soviet Union negotiated Korea’s independence from Japan after Japanese forces surrendered and officially brought World War II to a close. This was also when the nation of Korea split: North Korea would be backed by the Soviet Union, while South Korea was supported by the United States. Independent governments were established in each new country. Both honor their Liberation Day by educating students about the events that formed their countries and holding flag-raising ceremonies on the morning of August 15th. Later in the night, fireworks shows are common. In the United States, the Friendship Bell, a gift from South Korea, is rung to celebrate the heritage of this important military ally.

Last year, Google commemorated Korean National Liberation Day with this animation on its search engine: https://www.google.com/doodles/national-liberation-day-of-korea-2019

Country #4: France

(Photo "7M1A6796" by gmacfadyen is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Next Tuesday on July 14th, France will celebrate Bastille Day. On July 14th, 1789, a violent mob of Parisians stormed the Bastille Saint-Antoine—a fortress which held political prisoners and ammunition—and ultimately destroyed the structure. This moment resulted in the beheading of the two current French monarchs and ultimately encouraged a revolution against France’s own system of government, feudalism, and the absolute monarchy behind it. Their goal was to attain “equality and bread”, gaining political rights and the basic human rights that were sometimes denied them due to the tax increase demanded to pay off the current king’s debt. The first Bastille Day celebration was held one year after the Bastille fell, and has since been a holiday to celebrate French patriotism. Staples such as fireworks and parades can be found anywhere, as can traditional firemen’s balls. On the night before and of Bastille Day, fire stations across the country hold lavish parties for their communities to attend. These “firemen’s balls” are held throughout both nights and feature food, live music, dancing, and, of course, local firefighters dressed in uniform.  Military parades are also an important part of Bastille Day, during which Parisians watch from the streets for their troops to walk past. Flyovers are another part of this exciting tradition.

For more about Bastille day, read about additional celebrations on this Paris Discovery Guide article: https://www.parisdiscoveryguide.com/bastille-day-paris.html

Country #5: Indonesia

(Photo "Indonesian Independence Day" by Just Call Me Mo is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)

On August 17th, the country of Indonesia celebrates its independence day. After occupation by the Dutch in the 16th–19th centuries, Japan seized control of the territory soon to be known as Indonesia during World War II. While Indonesia’s flag and national anthem were recognized for the first time under Japanese rule, the country was without its own, independent government. By the time the Japanese resolved to surrender to the Allied forces, Indonesians were prepared to declare their country’s independence from foreign occupation. This was done on August 17th, 1945 by nationalist leaders Mohammad Hatta and Sukarno, as well as Subarjo, a student. As prompted by the United Nations, the Dutch government agreed to Indonesia’s terms and the country was able to form its own constitution and government subsequently. Today, Indonesians celebrate their independence day with a game known as panjat pinang, where people (often young men) compete to climb greased poles for various prizes tied to the top. Originally, this practice was introduced by Dutch colonists who saw the local Indonesians' struggle as a form of amusement, but now the game is considered a fun way to celebrate Indonesia’s independence by its free citizens. The teamwork and effort required to climb the pole is often seen as parallel to the skills required for the original Indonesian patriots to accomplish their goal of establishing Indonesia as an independent country.

Another interesting way Indonesian Independence Day is celebrated has to do with the Indonesian flag. Curious? Read more on this news article: https://www.arabnews.com/node/1541116/world

Country #6: Norway

(Photo "DSC02602" by dcatdemon is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Norway’s independence day, known as Constitution Day, is celebrated on May 17th each year to commemorate the ratification of the new country’s constitution in 1814. However, later that year the forcibly signed Treaty of Kiel dictated that Norway would be ruled under Sweden’s monarch. Because of this, celebration of the Norwegian Constitution Day was discouraged and even banned by King Carl Johan of Sweden. This angered Norwegian patriots who wished to honor their country on this day, so, naturally, resistance formed and celebrations were often carried out in defiance. After King Carl Johan passed, his son Oscar I was crowned king. King Oscar I allowed celebrations to resume. Later, Norway and Sweden split in 1905, leaving Norway an independently governed nation. To celebrate its Constitution Day, children (and often school marching bands) parade in the streets carrying the Norwegian flag.Festive clothing such as the bunad are worn in observation of this day. There are even insurance policies sold for these expensive outfits! Later in the day, community parades are held, with various organizations represented with banners. Additionally, recent high school graduates march while wearing traditional school uniforms marking their field of study in celebration of their transition into adult life during this time.

Read more about Norway’s exciting celebrations in this Forbes article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidnikel/2019/05/15/syttende-mai-how-norway-celebrates-its-national-day/#72f0d04ffad8

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Our world is such a beautiful, diverse place. Who knew that people could celebrate one thing, one virtue, in so many different ways? The creativity behind the traditions of each country’s national day is astounding. It demonstrates true devotion in the form of imagination and dedication. In this way, people of all ages and backgrounds join in celebration of their shared freedom. It’s something that brings whole communities together, and never fails to make me smile even at 2 AM when the people down the street startle me awake with yet another round of fireworks.

Today’s challenge is simple: celebrate your freedom. Take time to appreciate your country’s heritage and the determined work of your ancestors to create your home. It’s a beautiful place we’ve got here: not perfect, but filled with potential and opportunity to improve. We always have room to grow. Let’s honor our nation’s roots—our world's roots—by growing together.