I think that is the real reason for today’s celebration.
Although it is more known as 4th of July,
People here actually say “Happy 4th of July!”
Which would be the same as saying, “Happy 25th of December!”
(I assume people already know today’s date.)

Like, I always say,
Holidays and celebrations are not just about Fireworks, Food and Family.
(Okay, maybe food is good)
As long as people truly know the reason behind today’s event, it’s all fine.

Last month, we visited the “Liberty Bell” and the “Independence Hall” in Philadelphia.
The place truly is a great historic site.
That place moved me even though I am not an American.
(Okay, the strange feeling was probably from the Philly Cheese Steak)

But it’s also amazing to see, that when we were there for the tour,
and the tour guide was asking random questions about American History to the crowd,
most of the answers he got were wrong.
At first there was silence, which I thought everyone was just shy to answer the question,
but the real reason was that no one knew the correct response.

First, I snickered a little bit,
realizing how most Americans don’t know much about their history.
Then it hit me.

I realized how much I do not know about Philippine History.
Canadian History, I know some,
because I had to take the Citizenship exam.
Plus I had to swear allegiance to the Queen, Freddie Mercury.

But if I got asked about Philippine History,
I’ll be like a monkey trying to solve a math problem.

I shouldn’t say that, I do know some.
But I am sure I don’t know the major reasons why my country became what it is today.

Like,
Why did she become a Republic?
Why and how did she get involved in the Second World War?
How did we come about celebrating our own Independence Day of June 12?
What really happened in the Spanish Colonialism?
The war of Independence?
The Japanese Occupation?
Her return to Democracy?
Why do we like Spicy foods?
Why are we obsessed with wrestling?
And why do we point with our lips?

Oh man! I have a lot of reading to do.
My high school history teacher would kill me.

Happy Independence Day to all.
And a Happy Filipino-American Friendship day to my folks back home.

Thank a Veteran for your Freedom!
And know your history.