Psychology: Celebrating our nation's freedom and independence

My mother was a great influence when it came to teaching me how to enjoy the Fourth of July. She grew up in Dayton, Ohio, where the day was marked with a community parade, family get-togethers, sack races, homemade ice cream and, of course, fireworks to end the night. It was an exciting day filled with fun and passion for our country.

My parents were part of the World War II generation, and the events of that war impressed upon them the importance of setting aside a day to celebrate the founding of our country under democratic principles. They had both participated in the war effort, with my father flying as a navigator in the Army...