Celebrating the 4th: Make them think

Our annual Fourth of July breakfast means a great deal to me.  Over the years I’ve realized that one of the reasons I love it so much is the setting.  Our breakfasts involve close friends we’ve made over the years and smaller groups.  We always sit around the table which makes it more formal than a barbecue, which is often what we end up doing later in the day.


Why do I like this setting?  It holds people still and lets me make my guests think.  I often invite people to come prepared to share a quote, a thought, or something they appreciate about the United States of America.  It’s a great way to start the day and sets the tone for our holiday.

Sometimes I place a card at each place setting with a quote or question intended to prompt discussion and make us think.


This 4th of July, why not start the day with a thoughtful breakfast?  Even if it’s just cold cereal, take time to gather everyone together and talk about the holiday while you eat.

Some questions you might ask:

What do you think is the greatest moment in our nation’s history?

Who is your favorite historical figure in American history and why?

What leadership qualities did the Founding generation have and how can we develop them today?

Why was George Washington considered the greatest man in the world in his day?
(If you need help with this question, it’s because after winning the war he surrendered his position and went home.  Much of the world expected him to seize power and reign over the new nation because this was how the world worked at that time, and still does in many parts of the world.  Resigning his power to Congress was a mark of true greatness even in the eyes of King George.)

What do you think are the greatest problems facing our country today?

What can we do as individuals to be better Americans?

How can we prepare ourselves to protect our liberties in today’s world?


Trust me, thoughts like this set a great tone for the day.  I hope yours is awesome.

Hopeful Homemaker