A July 4th Message for Young Southerners

Jerry L. Russell
Confederate Historical Institute  (est. 1979)

As this July 4th soon comes around for a nationwide celebration, those of you who are young Southern Americans, or have roots and ancestors going back into the history of the South, should take heed of the chance to truly be independent in your life.

Liberty, freedom, independence. Only three words, but they represent lofty ideals; and, if you are Southern, they are your inheritance.

What do you inherit? Not monetary wealth, fame or power - but a history, a legacy, a heritage that you should cherish. For this inheritance can not be bought by you - it was already purchased with the blood, sweat, tears, pain, sacrifice and suffering of your ancestors.

Your ancestors worked hard for a better life for their families, and you are now reaping the benefits of their sacrifice. Most came from Europe, with a strong Christian background, only asking for the opportunity to build a better life. Some came from Africa, brought to America in chains. All became Americans, and in the end, most would never have traded that facet of their being for anything.

In 1776, your ancestors took up arms against what they labeled a tyrant Britain, and led a fledgling confederation of colonies to independence. In 1861, your ancestors peacefully broke away from an ever increasing tyrannical government that sought to dominate, control, and economically colonize the Southern states and her people - the same reasons for the rebellion of 1776. You owe it to yourself and to your ancestors to learn about this, an integral part of their history - and yours as well.

After the fall of the Confederacy, an oppressive reconstruction period was imposed on the Southern people. They tried to work back into the political and economic system to try to make their children's prospects better. They again took up arms to defend the United States in the Spanish American War, The Great War, and World War II. Southern patriots took an active part in winning these conflicts while trying to secure that liberty, freedom and independence that so many will banter about during this upcoming celebration.

Later, in less clear conflicts such as Korea and Vietnam, again trying to do their best as patriots, they served when they were called, and did the best they could for America. Again, in Desert Storm and the current anti-terrorist actions, our Southern people - men and women - led the way in fighting for freedom and for that better life for others.

You don't read about these things very often in history books. You don't hear the news media reporting from this viewpoint. You may even find political leaders and celebrities not only suppressing and ridiculing your heritage, but outright lying about it to promote their own political agendas.

Hate is not part of what you are, although to listen to some politicians, watch TV or movies, you would think most Southern blacks and whites can't stand each other. Thankfully, we know better. We share far more than most of us realize.

So what does all this have to do with Independence Day? Independence Day is all about real heroes, about putting other people ahead of yourself. It's about sacrifice, about overcoming hardships, about believing in human ideals of freedom and liberty, and the celebration of those costly victories past.

Celebrate the real heroes - like your parents, who take care of you, who get up and go to work every day and do their best for you, who love you, who protect you, and who have your best interest at heart. Don't be duped by the trash of our society, those that call themselves players or pimps. Don't be fooled by the advertising, the false images in TV and movies about what happiness and life is all about, about alternative lifestyles, or the demonization of the Christian contribution to this country, world peace, and civilization. For them it is all about power, control and money. They wish to enslave you, the way you think, the way you act, what you do - and only because they profit from your allowing yourself to be a lemming, ready to go over that cliff just because everyone else is, too.

Celebrate the real heroes - your ancestors, those who came before you, those who did what had to be done so that you could be here now. Celebrate independence from the race baiters and politically correct media and politicians. Do this by learning your own history, and celebrate it, whatever it may be. Become independent in thinking. Don't let the rap or rock musicians, movie stars, TV celebrities, fashion models, news media or athletic stars do your thinking for you. Again, for them it is all about power, control and money - period.

No one said that everything done by your ancestors was perfect. They were human and they, too, made mistakes, just like you and everyone around you. Yes, some were brought here against their wishes. But, in general, they all tried to do their best for the situations and times they lived in.

We cannot judge their actions by today's morals or standards. That would be like judging young adults and holding them accountable based on things they did as infants. Unfair, but there are people out there who will try to make you feel unworthy or guilty in an attempt to turn you away from your own heritage.

No, instead this July 4th make a pledge of independence from the false world that these high profile personalities and politicians try to trap you in. Instead celebrate your history and heritage. Celebrate your parents, grandparents, and ancestors. Learn about them, and about the ancestors of your friends. Live the values and traditions of your Southern roots.

Make this July 4th an Independence Day that you will truly remember.