Every Fourth of July I get excited to see a parade and wave an American flag. Then I start to hesitate.

I hesitate because The United States of America did not exist on July 4, 1776. It was 13 colonies who had some loud citizens who were mad at the British Empire and said they wanted to be independent. They ratified the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The British laughed and I am sure were very annoyed that they had to fight a war against a bunch of “weak” farmers. For over seven years that war raged on. The Revolutionary War officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783. That is when the United States of America became a country.

I also hesitate every Fourth of July because we use the word freedom a lot around this holiday. We throw it around like kids throw confetti at a birthday party with no thought or consideration for the people who were not free. When the United States celebrated its first official Fourth of July in 1784 who could say they were free? A person with white skin like myself would have been free in 1784. However, a woman like me would not have had a voice in 1784 or in 1884.

On July 5, 1852, former slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass spoke about how Fourth of July is a day that brings out “the gross injustice and cruelty” of this nation. His words are not outdated.

I know we will keep waving our flags and eating red and blue Jell-O desserts on the Fourth of July in this country. This newspaper will be full of photographs from local parades that take place for the holiday that I and other reporters will take.

As you go through the normal Fourth of July holiday routine, I ask that you change your thought process to what it means to all the people in this county. What does the Fourth of July mean to a Native American? There is no simple answer to that question. What does the Fourth of July mean to someone who has descended from slaves? What does it mean to a recent immigrant?

We celebrate the day but do we think past the hot dogs, the parade and the fireworks or the disappointment of not having fireworks?

On this the 245th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, can we finally start to see the history of the United States from all perspectives? To use the words from Sara Bareilles’ song Seriously, “A history plagued with incredible mistakes.” She is speaking about the United States. The education, reconciliation and healing that needs to take place in this country starts with each individual person.

On this Fourth of July enjoy a local community parade and celebrate. Also acknowledge the Ute tribes that once lived on this land and learn about their lives and contributions. It is not easy because they have been nearly forgotten, intentionally.

We can not change the past but we can educate ourselves so we can be peacemakers and build bridges. We can also celebrate national holidays like the Fourth of July in a way to honor the people who have been purposely left out of the American story. Let’s bring a spirit of inclusion and equity to our lives where all voices are heard and valued.