Would it surprise you to learn that a thoroughly military person would have some problems with military elements in Fourth of July ceremonies? I have these concerns, and I invite you to think them through with me. Independence Day is primarily a celebration of a tremendous political, social, and cultural achievement of the American people; the focus should be on this, with the military in a supporting role.

I am certainly not, mind you, suggesting the elimination of all military representations, nor am I denigrating the military contributions and sacrifices during the Revolutionary War. What I am asserting is that the principal heroes are the politicians — largely amateur and inexperienced — who signed the Declaration of Independence and stood up against Britain. Even though their action was eventually successful, many suffered grievously for their bold stand.

Of course, the British would have mockingly burned the Declaration and imposed yet harsher measures on the colonies if the continental army and navy had not fought to expel the British and enforce the Declaration. Current armed forces personnel and their veterans ought to be represented, but it ought not to be entirely or even largely military.

One consideration is that we already have three particular holiday occasions specifically for the military. The fourth Saturday of April is Armed Forces Day, on which the focus is those currently serving in the military (both active and reserve components). The last Monday of May is Memorial Day. Specifically, it features memorializing those killed in combat, but also those who died while on active duty. Finally, the second Tuesday of November is Veterans Day. It is intended to thank and honor those who have completed their military service. Included are those who have completed stipulated terms of service, veterans, and those who have served full careers and then retired. (All retired personnel are also veterans but most veterans are not retirees.)

In addition to these major holidays, each of the services celebrate their own anniversaries. Moreover, such as Dec. 7 and June 6 return to memories pivotal battles.

If we wish fully to honor military personnel, we should pay more serious and dedicated attention to the three major occasions.

Another consideration is that July 4 was not the date on which the Revolutionary War began or ended, but the date on which men elected by the people of America met in convocation in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence. It is this date, then, we consider the birthday anniversary of the United States of America.

It really isn’t necessary to have any military element to Independence Day observances, and if the reason for their absence is total preoccupation with the political, I might be surprised but I wouldn’t be offended. For instance, the flag presentation does not need to be done in military uniforms. What is required is gravitas and dignity in presentation.

The majority of the songs should be broadly patriotic, e.g., the National Anthem, “America,” “God Bless America.” If the armed forces songs are not included, it does not violate the occasion.

I do think during these days when our country is at war, some specific attention should be paid to those serving actively at the moment. But it would be a happy day indeed if we should be at peace for so long this wouldn’t be an immediate necessity.

On this July 4, would you at least read through the signers’ names? They are from New Hampshire (Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thorton), Massachusetts (Samuel Adams, John Adams, John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry), Rhode Island (Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery), Connecticut (Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott), New York (William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris, Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark), Pennsylvania (Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross), Delaware (George Read, Caesar Rodney, Thomas McKean), Maryland (Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll), Virginia (George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton), North Carolina (William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn), South Carolina (Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton), and Georgia (Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton).

Combat courage is often mechanical reaction by conditioning. For a politician to exercise courage requires a constant measuring of social consequences. While not all politicians act honorably, politics is an honorable profession and not a dirty word.

This Independence Day is a fine time not only to honor the above names, but to thank those now serving us on local, state, and national levels.